Gilbert Handy Sr. - beloved father and brother and friend to many, entered eternal rest peacefully on October 23, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Gilbert was born in Mercedes, Texas on July 29, 1927, to proud parents Roy Handy Sr. and Victoria Garcia Handy and was the first of six children.

He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in June of 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18. Gil served in Trieste, Italy, where he became a paratrooper. The Army gave him the opportunity to represent them as a champion boxer and Gil won many medals and held the title of 'Mediterranean Boxing Champion.'  He spoke often about his experiences and time with the Army throughout his life.

After leaving the service, he married Ernestina Martinez and built a life together which included eight children. Sadly, she passed early in life and Gil worked hard to keep his children together in Corpus Christi as a single father.  Five years later he remarried Aminta Canales, and they had 2 sons.

Gil valued hard work, honesty, and the value of a man's word. He was also known for being a great salesman. He took pride working at Beall's and was known as 'The Legend' because he was the top selling salesman in the nation for 20 years in a row.  Gil later went on to work at The Men's Warehouse also selling suits. He was an impeccable dresser.

Our father loved fishing, gardening, and dancing. Gil was an avid card player. He also loved a good game of dominos. Of course, we can't forget his love of the Dallas Cowboys.  His last years were spent enjoying his family, watching football and politics with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream.

Gil was most proud of all his children and grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids. He felt very strongly about education and having a strong work ethic and spoke often of the importance of both.  Dad also had a great love for Christ and displayed that love and belief to his family and friends.  He lived over ninety-eight remarkable years and was a vibrant individual.

Gil is preceded in death by his son, Jerome J. Handy, and his sister, Minnia Adame, and his brother, Alex Handy.  Gil is survived by his children, Patricia Handy, Ernestina Llanes, Linda K. Handy, Gilbert (Annette) Handy Jr., Anthony J. Handy, Karen A. (Bill) Knoll, Brian M. Handy, Paul M. (Zelda) Handy and Nathan A. Handy.

Gil is also survived by his 19 grandkids, 23 great grandkids, 7 great-great grand kids and his brother Roy (Susan) Handy Jr., Alice (Terry) Croak, Mary Ramirez and many loving nieces and nephews.

"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go"   Psalm 91:11

A celebration of life with military honors will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 4:00pm at Guardian Hall located at 5813 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. Military honors will start promptly at 4:00pm.

*Please note Guardian Hall is the event hall and not our funeral home on Crosstown. There will be no services held for Mr. Handy at the funeral home. The entire service will be held at our hall located at another location on Ayers. Specific dates, times and address are listed below (address also listed above this).

Details of service date and times are listed below.