Edward Eugene “Gene” Handley

Monday, September 14, 2020

Edward Eugene “Gene” Handley was born April 12, 1939, in Blytheville to Roy Handley and Annie Stalcup Handley. He passed away Sept. 6, 2020 in Jonesboro at the age of 81. 

He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God. He was a journeyman electrician. He retired from Cache Valley Electric after being employed there for 18 years. He was superintendent there for 14 years. He was a member of the IBEW for over 55 years. 

Gene loved his family dearly. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a passion for gardening. He had received an award for Master Gardener of the Year. On July 31, 1955, he was united in marriage to Blanche Teeter Handley, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by, his parents, Roy and Annie Handley, his son, Greggory Roy Handley, and his brother, Virgil Handley. 

On Nov. 23, 2000, he was united in marriage to Charlene West Handley, who survived him, of Gosnell. 

Other survivors include, his sister, Annie Riggs of Blytheville; his daughter, Angela Small of Rector; his son, Roger Handley and wife Paula of Decatur, Ala.; his son, Mitchell Handley and wife Sally of Jonesboro; his daughter, Theresa Baker and husband Phil of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; his daughter, Angela Poytner and husband Mike of Portage, Ind.; his daughter, Cheryl Hopper and husband Lynn, of Manila; his daughter, Jennifer Snodgrass and husband Greg, of Ocala, Fla.; his son, Dustin Canada and Amanda Battles of Gosnell; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held at Pemiscot Memorial Gardens in Caruthersville with full military honors on Sept. 10, with Mr. Nathan Andrews and Mr. Todd Spence officiating. Pallbearers were Paul Handley, Jared Handley, Dustin Canada, Chris Biggs, Brandon Neil and Spencer Handley. 

Powell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.