|
|
Robert Fulton "Bobby" Handy
1998 Citizen of the Year - Mr. Robert "Bobby" Handy
Anybody who has called upon the Town of Delmar's Public Works Department over the past 23 years has probably had the good fortune of working with The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce's 1998 Citizen of the Year recipient Robert "Bobby" Fulton Handy. We are proud to honour such a hardworking member of our community who simply likes to help people!
Bobby Handy, born in Hebron, Maryland, in 1942, is the son of the late Martha and Fulton Handy, and is the "baby" brother of Charles Handy. The Handy family are Eastern Shore natives, with Martha from Mardela and Fulton from White Haven.
Bobby graduated from Salisbury High School in 1959 and went to work for Marvel Package, a basket making company as a general laborer. After three years, he emlisted in the Army and went overseas to work with heavy weapons in Germany. While in the Army, Bobby married his "first and only wife," Evelyn, (but can't quite remember the year!) and returned to Delmar in 1965. Bobby and Evelyn were blessed with a son, Tyrone Lamont Handy ("January 31st, either '64 or '65!") Bobby and Evelyn now have three grandchildren, Tyrone Handy, Jr., Jeron Handy, and Latisha Handy.
Sam Mitchell, then Delmar's Town Manager, hired Bobby as a general laborer in 1965, and Bobby worked his way up to Assistant Foreman and then Foreman before being promoted to his curent position as Superintendent of Public Works. Bobby also serves on the Delmar, Delaware Board of Adjustments and has attended St. Luke's United Methodist Church his entire lifetime.
When asked why he thought the community might have nominated him for this award, Bobby responded, "I have no idea. No, I don't." Notwithstanding his humility, Bobby has done a tremendous amount for the citizens of Delmar beyond his public function. He enjoys doing things for the neighborhood kids, giving them advice, and helping them with sports. Bobby has a makeshift basketball court at his house and also plays football with the children. He feels it is important for children to "maintain a good attitude and keep their grades up". He also likes to help senior citizens and tries to go the extra mile by bringing garbage cans out or doing any physical chore with which they have difficulty. Bobby also makes himself available if they just need someone to talk to.
Bobby states that "a lot of people have helped me" When asked who, Bobby responded -- "the whole town. They took me in and kept me ... so far! The chemistry in Delmar kept me here. I love the Town and they seem to love me"> He feels that is has been most rewarding to be able to help the Town grow, and that he is not out there alone. "A lot of people are guiding my steps," he says.
Bobby has no plans for retirement, but when he does, he wants to spend time with his family and grandchildren, do some traveling to Florida, and continue his hobbies. In his spare time, Bobby likes video recording his grandchildren and neighborhood kids playing sports and then playing back the video for them later. Bobby also loves music, saying "music is a beautiful thing, especially the High School Band." What is Bobby's favorite type of book? "How To" manuals, of course!
Congratulations, Bobby on being The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year for 1998! And, yes, Bobby, we do love you!
|
|