Dr. Hayward O. Handy heard the voice of the Master calling him into His service at an early age and embarked upon a long serviceable career that spanned over seven decades. The journey of his lifetime was characterized by rich and profitable experiences in a broad area of accomplishments and services.
He was born on August 16, 1926, in Salisbury, Maryland. He was the first of six sons born to the late Harry O. Handy and Essie Parker Handy. The Lord said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” and called him home on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. He made his transition peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
“Handy” or “Doc,“ as he was affectionately called, started his education in the Wicomico School System in Salisbury, Maryland. As a young child, he was nurtured in the Methodist faith where he gave his time and talents at St. James A.M.E. Zion church. His mother insisted that he play violin and piano. Handy developed his love for music through formal instruction and family encouragement. One of the highlights of his young adulthood years was performing a Pepsi-Cola commercial jingle on the radio.
In 1943, Handy joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946 with medals and accommodations. He was among the first African-American musicians to play in the touring Naval Band.
On July 9, 1950, Handy was joined in holy matrimony to Mamie E. Hamiter. It was a match made in heaven, and they spent many loving years together, enjoying their common interests. Their union was blessed with three loving daughters: Theresa, Alfreda, and Cynthia. He loved being a husband, a father, and especially a grandfather to their ten grandchildren.
Handy’s record of accomplishments is numerous. After finishing his undergraduate degree at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, he started his teaching career in Barbour County, Alabama where he served as a teacher, band director, and principal for several years. He went on to complete a master’s degree at Fisk University and received an Education Specialist Degree from George Peabody College, at Vanderbilt University. He worked as a Solid State Physicist with the U.S. Army Missile Command, an Assistant Professor of Physics and Mathematics, and as a Professor of Telecommunications at Alabama A&M University. He always had an interest in technology and communications. In fact, his fascination with how a radio worked was sparked when he was in grade school. He saved up enough money to purchase a crystal which was needed to build his first radio. Years later, his interest led him to The Ohio State University where he received his doctorate in this area.
In 1966, Handy started his career at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Among his many accomplishments, he established and directed the Telecommunications Center. He was recently honored with the distinguished title of “The Father of WJAB,” Alabama A&M’s “Cool Vocals and Smooth Jazz” FM radio station. He truly loved the role of teacher. After Handy retired from A&M in 1992, he quickly returned to work. At the request of students who continued to approach him with questions about broadcasting, Handy changed his status to semi-retired. During this time he worked at Oakwood College as a professor of Communications before returning to Alabama A&M for five more years.
His community involvement included the North Huntsville Kiwanis (1996 Division II Lt. Governor), Huntsville Amateur Radio League (Extra Class License), the NAACP, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (Life-member). Additionally, he was a trustee of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and Secretary of the Huntsville/Madison County 911 District Board.
Handy enjoyed watching sports, especially Alabama A&M Bulldogs football and basketball teams. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, and being around people of all ages. He was known by family as the “best fisherman second to Jesus.” His hearty laughter was genuine and infectious, which made those around him feel at ease.
As a loyal member of Lakeside United Methodist Church, Handy taught Sunday School, played guitar in the New Lights Gospel Choir, sang in the Sanctuary Choir and Male Chorus, served as the Business Manager, and worked faithfully with the United Methodist Men for several years until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mamie Hamiter Handy; three daughters: Theresa H. Woodard (Allen, Sr.) of East Norriton, Pennsylvania, Alfreda Handy-Sullivan (Walter) and Cynthia H. Quintela (Dominic), both of Huntsville, Alabama; ten grandchildren: Allen Woodard, Jr., Tracey Woodard and Robin Woodard, all of East Norriton, Pennsylvania, Arielle Handy Sullivan, W. Kevin Sullivan, II, and Aaron Sullivan, all of Huntsville, Alabama, Chelsea Quintela, Chace Hayward Quintela, Christopher Zenon Quintela, and Caitlynn Quintela, all of Huntsville, Alabama; five brothers: Earl Handy (Selena) of Salisbury, Maryland, Loyce C. Handy (Dorothy) of Montgomery, Alabama, George Handy (Ruby) of Columbus, Georgia; Harry O. Handy, Jr. (Susan) of Auburn, New Hampshire, and William Handy (Sandra) of Salisbury, Maryland; Sisters-in-law: Ella H. Mathews, Ida H. Bailey, Essie Stewart (William), Mattye H. Pouncy, Bobbie Hamiter, Patricia Barnes and Anna Lois Harris (Edward) ; Cherished cousins: Florence O. Harris “the babysitter”, Mary Purnell, Otis Handy, Andrew Handy, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and loving life-long friends.
Services Held
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Two O’clock P.M.
Lakeside United Methodist Church
3738 Meridian Street North
Huntsville, Alabama 35811
The Reverend Sara F. Cameron, Pastor
Interment
Oakwood Memorial Gardens
Huntsville, Alabama