Dr. Perry Rutherford Handy Jr.

Dr. Perry R. Handy was born to the late Joezella Belcher and Perry R. Handy, Sr., on September 20, 1930 in Washington, DC. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and attended Asbury United Methodist Church. Perry had two loves of his life-- his wife of 28 years, Saundra Wright Handy “Sandi,” whom he affectionately referred to as “Love Muffin,” and his daughter, the late Patricia Renee (Patty) Handy. Perry was filled with pride when Mayor Muriel Bowser established the Patricia Handy Shelter for Women, in honor of Patty’s untiring work in the Department of Human Services, Family Service Administration.

Once you met Perry, you would never forget him. He was a product of the DC Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong Technical High School. He was a popular and exceptional student athlete, primarily because he played tennis during a time when very few students played that sport. When looking at the recognition of current student tennis players, we realize that Perry was before his time. A distinctive characteristic of Perry is that he was always jovial and enjoyed interacting with people of all ages, especially young people.

Perry furthered his education by receiving a B.A. Degree from Howard University, an M.A. Degree from George Washington University, and an ED.D. from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Professionally, Dr. Handy served as principal at several schools, most notably at the Giddings and Burroughs ES. Further, he was a supervisor, consultant and arbitrator in DCPS until retirement.

Left to cherish Dr. Handy’s memory and legacy are his wife, Sandi; one sister-in-law, Margaret Dobbins (Glenwood); two brothers-in-law, Jackson Wright, Jr. (Molly) and Rodner Wright (Clarise); four nieces and one nephew; other relatives; and a host of loving and caring friends. He was predeceased in death by not only his parents and daughter, but also his only sister, Willie Henrietta Handy.