"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8

On Jan. 19, 2013, Curley departed this life surrounded by his family in the War Veteran's Home in Jennings, La. A lifelong resident of Lake Charles, he was born Jan. 23, 1937, to the late Curley, Sr., and Margaret Wilson Handy. Curley was a graduate of W.O. Boston High School and a plaintiff in the lawsuit to integrate McNeese State College. He was the first African American supervisor/manager in the Lake Charles Post Office. Curley retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 32 years of service. He served his country faithfully as a member of the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958.

Curley, a 64-year member of New Sunlight Baptist Church, served as a deacon and as chairman of the Deacon Board, layman, and Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, John J. Johnson Foundation, National Alliance of Postal Supervisors, and the Zoning Commission.

An inductee into the Lake Charles African American Hall of Fame, Curley was the recipient of numerous local and national awards for leadership and service. His dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America led to his receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He was an active participant in the Senior Olympics as well as an avid bowler. Additionally, Curley helped to organize youth baseball leagues in North Lake Charles as well as coached several youth sports teams. His legacy was to build character while helping others.

Curley is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Olivia M. Handy. Other survivors include one daughter, Kathy N. (Haywood. Sr.) DeJean, and two sons, Curley Dwayne Handy and Brian Dion (Linda) Handy, all of Lake Charles, Louisiana; one granddaughter, Kayla Nichelle DeJean; two grandsons, Haywood James DeJean, Jr., of Lake Charles, La., and Tyler Dion Handy of Princeton, N.C.; four sisters, Rosalie (Charles, Sr.) Lewis, Dora (Sam) Harbor, and Connie F. Ardoin all of Lake Charles, La., and Hinder (Joseph) Augustus of Austin, Texas; five brothers, Elridge (Lula) Handy, Clyde E. Handy, and Terry (Cynthia) Weston of Lake Charles, La., Doug Handy of New York City, and Larry (Cynthia) Handy of Houston, Texas; two aunts, Ms. Adean Green of Long Beach, Calif., and Ms. Lillie Mae Gordon of Lake Charles, La.; and three godchildren, Gerald Craig Lewis, Darlene Hebert-Warren, and Kenneth Loyd. Other survivors include a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Curley Handy, Jr., 75, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at New Sunlight Baptist Church with Visitation at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. Reverend Harold Robinson, Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Memorial Funeral Home. He will be honored with Full Military Rites.