Augusta, GA – H. Brooks Handy, son of the late Dorothy and Oscar Handy, passed away in Augusta, Georgia on June 4, 2013. He was born in Salisbury on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He grew up a few miles from Salisbury on a farm in Rockawalkin, Maryland, where he developed a life-long love of working with plants. He graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and later earned a masters degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Handy served a total of 38 years in the Army and Army Intelligence Reserve, retiring as a full colonel. After he taught English at McDonough School, a private military prep school for boys near Baltimore and later at Gwynns Falls Park Junior High in Baltimore City, he began his 34 year career with the National Security Agency in Maryland. He developed skills as an analyst, served as a civilian advisor in Viet Nam (1972-1973) and later his work included travel to numerous countries. He moved through various management positions before retiring in 1994.
After returning from Viet Nam, Mr. Handy moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where he met and married his wife, Mary. They shared a great love of ballroom dancing, gardening and exploring the history of Maryland. In 1999 the Handys moved to Evans, Georgia, where they joined Wesley United Methodist Church and became involved in missions and volunteer activities. They became Master Gardeners and spent many hours working on community landscaping projects. Mr. Handy helped with Habitat for Humanity projects and served as president of his community association. In both Maryland and Georgia, Mr. Handy was an avid member of Toastmasters. He was known for his wit and humor and took every opportunity to make others smile or laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; son Paul Handy and daughter-in-law Frances of Washington, D.C.; daughter Laura Handy-Oldham and son-in-law Andy of Phoenix, Arizona; sisters-in-law Pat Handy of Seaford, DE, and Diane Handy of Raleigh, NC; nephew Mark Handy and niece Janet Handy both of New York, NY; and two grandchildren, twins Marisa and Daniel Handy-Recio. He was predeceased by both his brothers, Kenneth and Philip Handy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wesley United Methodist Church Mission Fund.