Mr. Charles Hyler “Buddy” Handley, 93, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi. There are no services planned at this time.
Buddy was born on October 24, 1931, in Cullman, Alabama. He first served in The United States Army, before transferring to the Air Force. After returning home, Buddy built his career as a repairman in the food and beverage industry. Following his retirement, Buddy enjoyed golfing every day. Hitting the course became his daily ritual and if he wasn’t on the green, he was at home watching the Golf Channel. Among his other daily pleasures were his frequent trips to McDonald’s, where he enjoyed many things, but most especially the coffee. Buddy had a soft spot for animals, who always seemed to be drawn to his good nature and gentle spirit. His granddogs held a special place in his heart and he looked forward to visiting them every day.
Most of all, Buddy cherished his daughter, Debbie, and granddaughter, Lauren. His girls were his whole heart, planning his entire schedule around visiting them. He enjoyed many years of driving Lauren to school, countless shopping trips, and celebrated each and every milestone in her life. Buddy enjoyed weekly trips to Hernando Hills Country Club where he let Lauren drive the golf cart on the courses. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Ann Twiner Handley, three brothers, and two sisters.
Buddy is survived by his daughter, Debbie Stubbs and his granddaughter, Lauren Stubbs, both of Southaven, Mississippi; step-daughter, Tootie Luton (Neil) of Coconut Creek, Florida; step-grandchildren, Tracy Oakley (David) of Franklin, Tennessee and Alan Luton (Bonnie) of Germantown, Tennessee; and four great-grandchildren, Jack Oakley, Emma Kate Oakley, Gates Luton, and George Luton.
The family extends a special thank you to Portia and all the staff at Oxford Veteran’s Home for their constant love and care for their father.
A special thanks to Stephanie Crumpton, Chaplin Paul Goff, Chaplin Jason Watts, and Heath Day from Enhabit Hospice. Words can’t express how thankful they are to have your love and care through the last year of Buddy’s life. Paul Goff – thank you for all the visits with Buddy and your suckers.
In the last few years of his life, Buddy was blessed to have Natalie Wood, who was the most wonderful nurse anyone could ever ask for. Buddy fell madly in love with her and started calling her his wife. Natalie made each day a wonderful day for him. She took the role of being his wife with great honor. The care she took of him and all the other patients at the nursing home was always above and beyond. The family has never met someone so caring and considered themselves blessed to have Natalie in their lives.
To Stephanie and Natalie, who both truly embody what it means to be a nurse, the family thanks you for being with them during Buddy’s final days and making sure he was surrounded by love and had a peaceful passing.
