Edward Percy Handy, retired truck driver

Edward Percy Handy, affectionately known as "Smiley" and "Love" to many of his family and friends, was born Dec. 27, 1928, in Selbyville, to the late Levin and Lottie Laws Handy. He departed this life Sunday, June 19, at home surrounded by his loving family. 

 He received his formal education at The No. 210 School in Selbyville, the Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Laurel, and graduated from the Delaware State Colored High School in Dover.

 Edward was united in marriage to the late Madeline Showell Handy Feb. 19, 1950. She preceded him in death Nov. 26, 2012, after 62 years of marriage. This union would include a blended family of six children. 

 Edward enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950, serving in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to work for H&H Poultry, now Mountaire Farms Inc., as a live haul truck driver, retiring after 20-plus years of service. He was a member of Duncan-Showell American Legion Post 231 in Berlin, Md. 

 Edward leaves to mourn his children, one son Billy (Terry) Smith Sr. of Berlin, and four daughters, Diane Purnell of Berlin, Gloria Handy Pugh (Paul) of Westover, Md., Mary Ellen Handy of Bishopville, Md. and Annette Handy of Selbyville; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

 In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Ann Howell; grandson Calvin Lee Handy; five brothers Nathaniel, Joshua, Levin, Rufus and John; and three sisters, Charlotte, Lillian and Maude.

 A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, June 25, at Zoar United Methodist Church in Selbyville, where friends may call from 10 to 11:45 a.m., for a time of viewing and visitation. Burial will follow at Zoar Golden Acres Cemetery in Bishopville.

 Letters of condolence may be made via www.watsonfh.com