Name: Woodlawn Memorial Park
Address: Greenville, SC

Dear Libby, what a wonderful life to be celebrated to the glory of God.  Walt was a great friend and encourager.  Our prayers are with your entire family.  Lovingly Dr. Sam Byrum

What a privilege to have known he and Libby He truly embodied the song Others.He really had the courage that went with conviction. I know the sorrow and the joy for him is there with all of you

The ministry of Brother Handford was a blessing to many in our family.  My father counted him as a dear friend.  The services I attended at Southside were always a blessing.

Dear Libby,
    What a wonderful "home going" celebration was had for Walt.  It was inspiring  We can only imagine what we are walking into when we join Walt and others on the other side.  He was such a blessing on this side and I am more than sure that he is over joyed on the other side as he awaits the arrival of those he knew and loved.  May you find your comfort in  knowing that there is simply nothing like the intimate presence of Jesus our Lord face to face and hand to hand. I pray that you know the peace and comfort of our Lord like you have never known before during these coming days and that your strength is renewed constantly day by day, in Jesus' precious name.  (oldest daughter of Sarah R. "Nutting" Jameson)

To know Pastor is to love him. He hired this girl from Texas to work in the church office and for 10 years I watched him love his people, build up the church, follow God's leading in all that he did and he still took time to take my five year old and get her a cold drink when she came into the office. Libby, you were my Pastor's wife, my teacher and my friend. I weep tears for your loss, but shout glory for Pastor's homegoing. The Handford family was such a part of our daily lives and we loved all of you deeply. Thank you Pastor for loving us. I look forward to the time I can greet you again in Heaven. You are loved by the Dunns.

I had the privilege of sitting under Pastor Handford's ministry at Southside and reconnecting with him later in his life. I found that whether as a fundamental baptist or as a gospel-centered evangelical, Walt sought to live under the Lordship of Christ and submit to the authority of Scripture, as he understood it. He lived by his convictions. I am thankful for his good and godly influence.

I was a member of Southside Baptist in the 1980s, and Dr. Handford's humble, Godly leadership had a profound impact on my walk with Christ. My prayers are with you as you begin this season of grief. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that his earthly impact will continue for generations.

Gwen, Bailey and all the Handford family.  We read of Pastor Handford's life and his love of family. He truly was a man of God. Praying that God's grace comfort you in the coming days ahead.

On behalf of my mom and dad, Brom and Betty Cowser, we are rejoicing that pastor Handford is with his wonderful Lord and Saviour.  Those few years my parents lived in Greenville, pastor and Mrs. Handford welcomed them with open arms (mom wrote several articles for the women's magazine Libby Handford published) Praise the Lord for the lives that pastor Handford touched in so many ways. Mom and dad will be praying for the Handford family from their nursing home in Southwestern Florida.

Although I never met Pastor Handford in person, I benefited greatly from all the Sunday evenings sitting in the Southside Baptist balcony while a BJU student in the early 80's. His heart for us students was obvious. It was as if he was gearing those Sunday evening messages just for us, continually peering up into the balcony where we  sat . He did not use all the conventional homiletic techniques, but in his own loving homespun way he connected with his people. And his love for the Lord was seen everywhere.

Dear Mrs. Hanford, I have great memories of Dr. Hanford speaking in chapel at BJU during my student days 1968-1972.  I remember he also presented a soul winning session right before Christmas holidays and encouraged us students to use our holiday time to witness and lead others to Christ............. Mrs H, I also appreciate you and your sisters coming to the Atlanta area during the 1970's and speaking at some ladies retreats and "feminars".You and your husband were a godly example of Christian marriage and parenting and gave good practical advice. God bless and comfort your family as you continue to serve Him

Webster defines Pastor as; a spiritual overseer; a clergyman serving in a church. In this sense, Pastor is just an occupation.  Pastor to me is a term of endearment.  I will only ever have one Pastor, just as I will only have one father & mother.  In my life,  I have other spiritual overseers but, Dr. Walt Handford will always be my Pastor.  He was there for many of my life events.  His love for God,  ministry,  compassion,  humility,  counsel,  genuine love of people  & personal walk with Christ are embossed on my life forever.  Until we meet again,  rejoice in Jesus presence, sweet Pastor.  Thank you Mrs. Handford for sharing him with the rest of us.  I love you.

Mrs. Libby, love and prayers from Maria and me. Maria met Pastor Walt at Linda Ellison's memorial service. I serve our Lord in Honduras today, in part because of you and Walt's investment in my life in SCS and SBC between 69-81. Thank you. Sammy Conover

Our thoughts and prayers for the family.    From the entire epps family (Ruth and lawrence epps)

Our dear Judy-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother, and family. Your father touched so many lives, but we know you and he had a special, close bond and this is a difficult time for you. Thankfully you have Fred's love and support- he loved and cared for your father as you did. Lauren and Warren are praying for you as well.

I watched the slide show of part of your precious life on the slide show your loyal family privileged us to share with them. The Holy Spirit filled the church, while lines and lines of people came to share your life here. I couldn't help feeling what a celebration must be going on in Heaven with Jesus saying "Well done my good and faithful child". Your precious family stood to honor you and every one coming to pay their respects for hours. God Bless each one of your family. Prayers are being said for you.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

Walter Handford was a moving force in bringing Christians to the political forefront for awareness in how to have a positive change in our community.  He will be missed by all of those of us who appreciated his involvement.

Tom Marchant
State Legislator 1972-1986
Box 8877
Greenville, SC 29604

I can never express fully the impact Pastor Handford had on my life. He prayed for me in the delivery room right after I was born, was my pastor through high school and college, counseled me during some tough times and married me and Debbie. I will never forget him taking the time to meet with me as a college freshman. The Lord greatly used him, now I am sure he is fellowshiping with the saints and enjoying worshiping in Heaven. I am forever grateful for the impact of this man on my life.

Our love and prayers for Mrs. Handford and family.  We were at Southside for many years. Still have grandchildren going to Southside.  So sorry for your loss.  He will be greatly missed.

My prayers are with the Handford family, especially with Pastor Handford's beloved Daughter Judy Handford Semour.  God's Peace

Grateful to have been under the ministry of this man of God, both as a college student and as a young family. We thank God for the wise counsel and direction you gave to us. Praying comfort for your dear wife and family.

Tom and I shared many wonderful times together while neighbors living on Ashleybrook Ct. in Mauldin. It was so joyous sharing meals, religious ceremonies and the weddings of our children. He gave a special blessing at the wedding celebration of our daughter, Kim. I always felt very privileged that he was part of our lives for many years. My Love and Prayers, Phyllis Rouleau

Brenda & John Handford & family,  We read of Pastor Handford's life & love of family.  You will each be in our prayers, and we know that God will bless you.  Bea & John Heberger, Greer, SC.

we are deeply saddened by the loss of this great man of God, but at the same time happy for him that is at home in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. so to all of those that he touched with his life hold fast to his words but above all hold tight to our Lord as Walter would want you to. God bless you all.

OH THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF TIMES WITH DR. HANDFORD AND lIBBY, HIS WIFE.  THE  LATE PASTOR  STEWARD WEBBER AND WIFE, MARY WEBBER.  A GLAD REUNION FOR THESE TWO MEN OF GOD !

I frequently remember (with much affection) Pastor Handford's "tough love" to me one day.  I had been studying for the ministry at Bob Jones University and at the same time was working full time to support my wife and (at the time) three boys.  I had just quit BJU and felt guilty about it.  I was in Pastor Handford's office on an unrelated matter, but I did tell him that I had just quit Bob Jones, and felt very badly about it.  Pastor Handford leaned back in his chair,       folded his hands in front of him, and quietly and matter-of-factly said to me "Paul, you would be a disaster in the pulpit."  He was right, and by God's Grace I was ready to hear it.  It not only got the guilt trip off my back, but far more importantly, my children, who were getting into trouble more frequently because I was so busy working and studying that the only way that they could get me to spend some time with them (scolding them - better than no contact with them) got their father back, my wife got her husband back, and I got my family back.  Pastor Handford's "tough love" was a FULLY REDEMPTIVE love.  THANK YOU PASTOR HANDFORD, and thank you Lord Jesus for Pastor Handford.

Though never sitting under the pulpit ministry of Dr. Handford, both my wife, Linda and I, were helped greatly by his wisdom, patience, guidance, and counsel. We are better today because of Dr. Walter Handford and his wife Libby.
He truly was a man with God's wisdom & passion.  He left a vacancy on earth.
--Max & Linda Kaster - St. Matthews, SC.

Pastor Handford was such a blessing to our family. He was such a kind and loving man. Through his ministry God lead me to a Christian man whom I married. I am thankful for his unconditionally love he showed  to ALL people regardless of their wealth or background.
I am thankful for the influence he had on my life. The ministry at Southside Baptist Church was amazing. I have wonderful memories. Mrs. Handford I am also thankful for the example you were to me as a loving and supporting wife. May God bless you.

Uncle Walt, I love you.  I'll miss you. I"m sure you and Daddy and Mother and Grandmother and Grandaddy are having a wonderful time togather right now...can't wait till the day I see you again

What precious memories of the time my family was at Southside under Pastor Handford, as members and as part of the team at the Christian school. His wisdom and counsel were priceless,and his encouragement so helpful.  My sympathy and love to all his family.
Flangie Huckaby Hanna

Please accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of Pastor Handford. He was instrumental in leading daddy to Christ and we are forever grateful for his role in that. God bless each of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

In one of the darkest periods of my life, Pastor Handford showed me God's love through his kind counsel.  We have all lost a wonderful friend with his passing.

I am so thankful for the ministry Pastor Hanford had in my life especially as a teenager, and as my wife and I started our missionary career. Praying for the family.
Terry and Sandy Washer
Zambia

In 1973 a friend brought me, a high school freshman, to Southside Baptist for an amazing youth event. I later urged my parents to attend - and they found a home there. My dad helped lead the "B" (Bus) Sunday School - and later planted a church with the help and blessing of Pastor Handford. 
Dr. Handford's passion for the Gospel moved so many of us to engage in sharing Christ's love. His grace, his vision, and his demonstrated love for his flock are so remarkable. I was blessed to meet my wife Debbie there while in college. After serving in 3 other states in other places of ministry, there was no question that, when we moved back to Greenville, we would return to Southside - and Pastor Handford. I was blessed to serve with him for a time on his pastoral staff and to have baptized some of my children at the wonderful church he led. The Peek family owes a great debt of gratitude for the loving care and guidance that Walt and Libby have provided us for more than 40  years. God Bless you Pastor.

Thankful for the time my wife, Jill, and I spent as members of Southside Baptist under the ministry of Pastor Handford, 1977-1981. It was a period of real spiritual growth.

We are thankful for the privilege of knowing the Handford family.  Blessings to all of you.

My dearest Handford family,, I came to Southside on Augusta as a young confused girl riding the bus with mrs Peggy and her husband,I became part of a larger family than I already had, I was saved at Southside 9/13/1969,, and continued to ride the bus for a total of seven years which I was presented my own bible, my very first. I guess I'm trying to say Pastor meant more to me than I ever really knew, a truly wonderful man of God. Mrs. Handford, I will be praying, I love the whole family!

Dear Libby, I was saddened to hear of Walt's passing. Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family at this difficult time. You were an inspiration at Interim.

I do not know of a finer, gentle spirited man.  I am so thankful that Pastor Hanford cared enough to come to my home and help me accept Jesus Christ as my savior. My family had many years of enjoyment as members of Southside when we lived in Simpsonville.

It was under Pastor Hanford's ministry I came to know the Lord in 1969.    I never forgot those growing years or the love and fellowship with your family.  I still have some of his sermon notes in my old Bible.    Such a kind man.  Praying for your family.   Debbie (Millard) Hollifield

I will forever be changed by the love and support I received at Southside. Dr. Handford always had a smile and a kind word, Heaven has gained an Angel, who will be missed here on Earth.  Prayers to the family.

I will forever be changed by the love and support I received at Southside. Dr. Handford always had a smile and a kind word, Heaven has gained an Angel, who will be missed here on Earth.  Prays to the family.

Love to my Tabernacle classmate Debbie Handford and to my college German teacher Sieglinde Brown. What a testimony Dr. Handford left! Erik Powell, Sr., Miami, FL.

Dear Mrs. Handford, may God's grace be with you in this difficult time. We are very grateful for the influence you had on our lives. Unfortunately we will be gone this weekend in meetings."Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15. God bless. 
Al & Helga Bonikowsky

Dear Mrs. Handford,

Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord truly be your portion. We love you. 
Bacilio & Eunice (Bixby) Alfaro
We continue as itinerate missionaries in the Hispanic world. Always travelling, seldom home, but are looking forward to our Heavenly home.

Dear Libby and precious family,
Our hearts and love go out to each of you.  Libby, you and Pastor Handford have made and continue to make a profound impact on my life. We came to Southside in 1970 and
Pastor's leadership, ministry, preaching, steadfastness, enduring love,That Showed, has been a strength and comfort
through the years.  We will so
miss Pastor's ready smile, twinkle of mischief and his
Comment "it was a good day when God brought------to Southside.  Fellowship Greenville has a marvelous heritage!  Thank you!  We love you So much and we are praying for you!

We are very grateful for the godly influence he had in our lives.  May you know God's comfort and grace at this difficult time.

Dear Libby; I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, but rejoice in the knowledge that he is finally with The Saviour  he loved. I have many wonderful memories of his care for his flock, and the lessons learned while my family and I were at Southside Baptist Church. The Lord has promised to never leave us alone, and to give comfort; and He will not fail us. Sheila Mabbitt Rice.

Dear Libby, and family; my sincere condolences to you in the Homegoing of your husband, and father. I have many wonderful memories, and many lessons learned from the time I and my family spent under Pastor Handford's teaching. The Lord will give you comfort in this difficult time--He promised, and I have experienced it. May God continue to Bless you.  Sheila Mabbitt Rice

Dear Libby and Family,

We learned so much under your husband's preaching and testimonial life to prepare us for full time ministry.  We will be eternally grateful. He has left a great void here but we rejoice for him and look forward to seeing him one day where we will rejoice and praise God together for all eternity. Until that day we will be praying for you and the family in your great loss of a wonderful husband,father and grandfather.

Mrs. Handford and all of the Handford children, in-laws, and grandchildren - I am but one of thousands who will echo the same sentiment: Walt Handford was one of the few people I have known in my lifetime who was genuine in his love for the Lord and those he was charged with shepherding. He lived what he preached. He was willing even later in his ministry to take stands that were unpopular with some that he dearly loved and his stands came with a cost. But his actions were not dictated by what others thought. His actions were directed by the dictates of his conscience and what he believed the Lord wanted him to do. He loved God with all of his heart, soul, and mind - and he loved his neighbors as himself. I am so thankful for his ministry. I can only imagine the reception in Heaven from his Lord and Savior and from the thousand that are there whose life he impacted - and the thousands that will go meet him in the sweet by and by.

My wife, Carmen, and I never sat under the pastoral ministry of Walt Handford, but he was a faithful friend and a mentor to me when we accepted the administration and teaching at Emmanuel Baptist School in Hartsville, SC. He was very helpful to myself and Reece Yandle as we took on the leadership of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools.  He was a gracious and talented man of God and will be missed by so many.  But his legacy will live on.  Love, Ben and Carmen Radin

Dear Libby,
My heart grieves for you at the passing of Pastor.  The both of you were a special blessing to the John Owens family.

How blessed we in Greenville have been to have this wonderful godly man in our community!  We rejoice with Pastor in his going Home, but sorrow for the loss we on earth feel.  But this parting is just for a little while..."even so, Lord Jesus, come!"

When I think of Pastor Handford, the word "others" comes to mind for he was a man who focused on the needs of others. What a dear servant of God he was! Heaven continues to get sweeter as more and more of His children are called home!

We loved Pastor Handford dearly, and cherish so many memories of him. Our love and prayers are with you, Mrs. Handford and all of the family during this time.

I am so thankful to have had Dr. Handford as my pastor for many years. I learned much from his teachings,and valuable life lessons. He will be missed. I am praying for the family.

The time we spent at Southside Baptist Church before going to the mission field is a very special memory in our lives. Both Pastor Handford and Libby truly had a great impact on our lives.

Dearest Libby, we grieve with you saying goodbye to Pastor. We stand with you as you continue living out the legacy of love you & Walt have given. In a little while we will all worship together again in glory & so many will be there because Walt Handford lovingly introduced us to Jesus. We cherish you both. All our love, Leona & Randy (Kimlin)

Heaven is blessed with a great man of God coming home. Thank you for all you did for my family and the memories I have of our time in Greenville.

Mrs. Handford and family, I know you will miss him, but what rejoicing there is in heaven! I'm sure that he heard, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" I am praying for the Lord to give you all comfort. As a dear Christian friend told me years ago after the passing of her sister who had been very ill with cancer, "I miss her so much, but I certainly wouldn't wish her back"

Thoughts and prayers to all the family at this time. So thankful that God allowed me the blessing of having Pastor Handford in my life. Donna Winter

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. I Cor. 4:2 (ESV)
Pastor was that faithful steward.  I, my family, and untold hosts of others, are eternally blessed because of that faithfulness.
Mrs. Handford and family; My heart goes out to you as you deal with the loss of husband, father, and friend.  May our Heavenly Father give you the Comfort and Peace that only He can; during this difficult time and in the days to come.

Libby and family, 
Walt was a great spiritual mentor to those of us who knew him. Jack and I are thankful for both you and Walt and for the wise guidance and counsel you have provided to Interim employees and to us. Walt will surely be missed here, but we know God has a special place for Him and he is rejoicing with the Lord that he served so faithfully. With love in Christ.

Mrs "Libby" and family.  What a precious man of God and Pastor and Friend to our family he was.  We will always remember his kindness to us the first Sunday we visited Southside Bapt church when we moved to Greenville in 1983. Several years later he conducted the weddings of both of our daughters.  Our second daughter, DeLynda, and her husband David's wedding was his last official duty at Southside-- as he retired the following day.  He taught us what faithfulness to our Lord and Savior looks like.  You are in our prayers as you adjust to life without your precious husband and father.  Wayne and Janice Osborne

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the gift and blessing of knowing Pastor Handford.  He was kind, wise and a wonderful teacher of the Scriptures.  I look forward to seeing him again in Glory.

Libby and other family, my heart is broken and I know yours is because we will miss his presence here, but he is in the place he prepared for for all these years. Heaven is sweeter today with his beautiful presence there. Love to you all Mary Hicks

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Walter Ernest Handford Jr.

13 mai 1924 – 15 janvier 2015

Woodlawn Memorial Park

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