Gary Lee Handy, 75, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2018 at his residence and under the care of Cornerstone Hospice. He was born on 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia.
From a military family, Gary moved frequently and graduated high school in Fairbanks, Alaska at Eielson Air Force Base in 1960. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force in the 801st Combat Support Group, SAC.
After the service, Gary trained and worked as a ballroom dance teacher with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Rome, NY and Miami, Florida. He worked for various food brokerage firms in sales and supervision for more than 30 years and continued ballroom dancing and instruction in Florida and Michigan. After moving to The Villages, Gary enjoyed golf, bowling, poker, cards, music, and ballroom dancing. His love of music and dancing sustained Gary throughout his life and was crucial in his stroke rehabilitation.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Carole Bullmer; daughters Christina Rios (Rico) of East Lansing, MI; Elizabeth Bullmer, Portage, MI; Victoria Neuenschwander (Jonathan), Cary, NC; brothers Donn Handy, Grayling, MI; Joseph Handy, Grand Rapids, MI; Steve Handy, Gulfport, FL; mother-in-law, Frances Shenberger, Sauquoit, NY; six grandchildren and two nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Edith (Herbert) Handy.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. at New Covenant United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the youth program at New Covenant United Methodist Church, The Villages Charter School’s High School Choir, or the charity of your choice.
