Marshall Able Handy

Marshall Handy’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, laughter, and love which radiated strength, devotion, and joy. On January 6, 1950, in Houston, Texas, God placed Marshall Handy into this world, to parents John Richard Handy and Novella Plattenburg. He carried their legacy forward with honor and humility. He shared his childhood with five siblings, four brothers, John Handy/wife, Dell, Anthony Handy/wife, Marketta and Ray Phillips/wife, Willie Mae, and Willie “Pete” Garrett along with one sister, Shirley Brown. A host of nieces and nephews. He was a dad to two sons, Marshall Handy Jr. and Chris Handy. Life created distance, but they remained part of his story, threads in the tapestry of the man he was. On September 5, 2026, Marshall returned home to be with the LORD, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through generations.

Marshall served his country with honor in the United States Armed Forces, proudly standing among the brave as a Vietnam-era Veteran. His courage and dedication reflected the same steadfast spirit that defined his life beyond service. And above all, a GOD-fearing man who lived by his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He didn’t just recite those words, he walked them. Through hardship, through joy, through love, through loss, through every chapter of his life, that verse was stitched into his spirit. It was the quiet strength beneath his laughter, the steady anchor beneath his heart.

On December 27th, 1983, Marshall began a new chapter when he married the love of his life, Beverly Louise Handy. Together they built a home filled with laughter, compassion, and unwavering love. Marshall embraced his bonus children, Paul Grant Jr./ fiance, Andrea Jones and Kathryn “Kathy” Curry/ husband,Kenneth, his grandchildren Kasey, Sarah- Katharyne, Jarrauri, Jarius and Jameschia Curry, along with his great grandkids, with the same warmth and pride he gave to all his family. Marshall was a devoted husband to Beverly Louise Handy, the woman who stole his heart from the moment their lives intertwined. Their love was gentle, steady, beautiful, and sacred. The kind of love that doesn’t shout, but speaks in soft moments, and shared breaths. Their love was evident in the way they cared for one another. Singing “Endless Love” as a duet to one another was their favorite ritual on quiet evenings. They would sit together, hands intertwined, singing softly to one another. They looked into each other’s eyes as if time itself had paused. Two souls speaking a language only they understood. Beverly’s voice, Marshall’s smile, their hands clasped together… Those moments were not just memories. They were the heartbeat of their marriage.

Marshall Handy was funny without trying, humorous without effort, and unforgettable without intention. His humor wasn’t loud; it was natural, and gentle. He created Traditions that became our family’s legend. Just about every Thanksgiving, without fail, Marshall undercooked something. It didn’t matter what it was, turkey, dressing, something always came out “just a little too soon.” And when it came to barbecue, no one, absolutely no one, could burn it like Marshall. But, as always he would stand there so proud. Those moments became cherished memories, stories retold year after year with laughter and love. He also loved to play dominoes; he was unbeatable, so he thought. Marshall also loved spur of the moment family outings to Galveston beach. So, one summer night at Galveston Beach the waves were calm, the air warm, and the family gathered in the glow of the evening. Marshall, feeling young again, decided he could outrun his grandson Jarius. So, they lined up, took off with determination, with Jarius running backwards and Marshall running straight and within seconds, Marshall tumbles, falls, and injures his shoulder. That night marked the end of his racing career, but the laughter that followed became one of the family’s favorite stories. It was imperfect, funny, human, and so deeply him. Marshall found joy in simple pleasures that made life rich.

Marshall’s Faith was not something he wore; it was something he breathed, he lived with quiet devotion, steady belief, and a heart anchored in GOD’S promise. His life was a testament to the strength he found in Christ, the strength that carried him through service, through love, through laughter and through his final Journey home.

The day before he passed, his devoted wife Beverly visited him along with his niece T’angela and Reverend Herb Stalknecht. She sat beside him, held his hand, and spoke softly to him. It felt as though Marshall’s heart waited for her, one last moment, one last touch, from the woman he had loved for decades. Their love was strong enough to keep him there, just for that moment. That final moment was not just a goodbye, it was a love story completing its circle. Marshall lived a life full of faith, devotion, and joy. He leaves behind stories that will be told for generations, laughter that would echo at family gatherings, and a love that will never fade. We will miss you Marshall Able Handy. Fly free, rest well, and be with GOD. Your memory will forever live in the hearts of those who love you.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Carl Barnes Funeral Home, in the Titus & Timothy Barnes Cathedral Chapel, located at 746 W 22nd Street, Houston, Texas 77008, on September 19, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm.