Elmer N. Handy

Elmer Nathaniel Handy, son of the late Mildred Handy Lee and Elmer Levi Handy was born December 12, 1925 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on Saturday, March 20, 2004 at Good Samaritan Hospital.Elmer received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools. In 1943, he joined the United States Navy, receiving a honorable discharge in 1947. For 47 years, he was employed in various positions with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, later named CSX; retiring in 1985.Elmer joined United Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Vanderford in 1947, serving on the Trustee Board for 57 years. He loved his Pastor, Trustee Board and members. Thank you God for letting him be in attendance when the new church opened; he prayed and asked God to let him be in the number.Elmer joined the Elk family in 1946. He served as Esteemed Leading Knight, Inner Guard and on both the House Committee and Trustees before being elevated to the Exalted Ruler’s chair. In 1948, he was recommended to Past Exalted Ruler’s Council #27 for meritorious service. He served as Second Scribe of P.E.R Council #27 for fourteen years and Vice Chief Antler for six years. He was Exalted Ruler of the Lodge from 1959 to 1970 until being appointed District Deputy by the Grand Exalted Ruler upon the recommendation of the late Dr. Bernard Harris. This position he held until 2002. In 1970, Elmer received the highest honors in Elkdom, that of Past Grand Exalted Ruler. Elmer was elected State Treasurer for the Tri-State Association in 1970 and served for twenty-six years. In 1970, he was elected President of the National Deputies Council. Elmer Handy has been a member of the Antlered Guard Department uninterrupted since 1946. He assisted in the merging of the East Baltimore Antlered Guard units to form the now East Baltimore Lodge and Zorah Elliott Temple Marching Patrol #2304. He has served as the Assistant Planning Officer and Judge Advocate of the Antlered Guards for the State of Maryland. In 1995, Dr. Donald Paul Wilson, Grand Exalted Ruler, bestowed the title of District Deputy Emeritus on Elmer. Elmer was a charter member of the Cavaliers of the Tri-State Association and Life Member of Thomas Miller Post # 9724 of the VFW, where he once served as Vice Commander.During his Elk traveling he met Alva R. Dorsey of Annapolis and united in matrimony on October 3, 1991.Elmer was a good husband, friend, provider and father who exemplified a strong spiritually guidance. Leaving pleasant memories to cherish: a devoted wife, Alva; two sons, Gregory and Reginald Handy, three step-daughters, Tinia Anderson of Baltimore, Thera Dorsey of California and Timberly Dorsey of Glen Burnie; two stepsons, Broderick Johnson of Baltimore and James Dorsey, Jr. of Glen Burnie; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; a foster daughter, Priscilla Lee; two sisters-in-law, Beatrice Jones and Elizabeth Pinkney; a devoted friend, Miss Barbara Jackson; a cousin, Mrs. Delores Anderson; god-sister, Sarah Flemming and a host of friends.

Tributes

Elmer N. Handy

November 12, 1925 - March 20, 2004