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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Thomas V. 1
"Tom" Handy. 2
WHEREAS, after graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law, 3
Tom Handy worked as an assistant for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District 4
Representative Tim Lee Carter before opening a private law practice in 1971; and 5
WHEREAS, Tom Handy devoted much of his life to advocating for victims in the 6
London community and served for 28 years as Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's 7
27th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting many high -profile cases and acting as a mentor to 8
young attorneys; and 9
WHEREAS, Tom Handy's colleagues describe him as having been an outstanding 10
member of the legal profession, an excellent public speaker, and a trusted and loyal 11
friend; and 12
WHEREAS, Tom Handy helped incorporate Operation UNITE upon his retirement 13
in 2003 at the request of Congressman Hal Rogers, served as Chairman of its Board of 14
Directors for 17 years, and continued as a board member until his death, assisting with 15
the creation and growth of one of the most effective and comprehensive anti -drug 16
programs in the nation and putting aside political and socioeconomic differences to bring 17
positive change for all citizens of this Commonwealth; and 18
WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact 19
on the London community through his many meaningful contributions, particularly 20
through service as a founding member of Leadership Tri-County, which was established 21
in 1987 to develop and empower leaders in Laurel, Knox, and Whitley Counties; and 22
WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a forward -thinking champion of local tourism, 23
recognizing its potential for growth well before it became an economic priority. He was 24
the longtime chair of the London -Laurel County Tourist Commission, and he, along with 25
his brother Jim, developed early hospitality landmarks in London, including the Ramada 26
Inn, the Charcoal House, and later a motel and restaurant complex, creating enduring 27
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gathering places that helped shape the community's growth and character; and 1
WHEREAS, Tom Handy also generously gave his time and expertise to a number 2
of other public agencies throughout the Commonwealth, including the Kentucky Horse 3
Racing Authority, the Kentucky Executive Ethics Commission, the Executive Legislative 4
Committee, and the Kentucky Crime Victims Compensation Board; and 5
WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a man of deep Christian faith, being a longtime 6
member of First Christian Church in London and helping to organize a mission group 7
called Assisted Better Living for Everywhere (ABLE) that performs construction mission 8
work both within Kentucky and internationally and emphasizes improvements to schools, 9
orphanages, and senior citizen residences; and 10
WHEREAS, Tom Handy's greatest joys in life came from his family, and he is 11
survived by his loving wife Bonnie; his son, Starr Handy, and w ife Amy; his daughter, 12
Dennie Beth Mills, and husband Matt; his brother, Jim Handy, and wife Kathy; and two 13
nephews, Jason Handy and Jimmie Handy; and 14
WHEREAS, through his leadership, insight, and dedication, Tom Handy left an 15
indelible mark on his communi ty and this Commonwealth, and his guidance will be 16
deeply missed by all who knew him; 17
NOW, THEREFORE, 18
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 19
Kentucky: 20
Section 1. The Senate hereby joins with Senator Brandon Storm in expressing 21
its most profound sympathy upon the passing of Thomas V. "Tom" Handy and extends 22
its heartfelt condolences to his family in this time of loss. 23
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 24
memory of Thomas V. "Tom" Handy. 25
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this 26
Resolution to Senator Brandon Storm f or delivery to the family of Thomas V. "Tom" 27
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Handy. 1