Gilbert Diggs Handy of Gloucester, passed away at his home on June 22, 2011.

He was born in Mathews on Sept. 27, 1918, the youngest of three boys to Julia and Gilbert Handy. He was a devoted husband and cherished father.

He had always been known and will be remembered for his love of flying. Gilbert was a WWII veteran and had served in the Merchant Marine and later worked at Curtis Field, Texas, where he supplied support for Army Pilot training. He was an accomplished pilot and instructor overcoming many challenges to pursue his dreams. He taught many to fly throughout the years and took many different flying jobs to support his aviation career. After retiring, he established an airstrip at his home and built his own plane so he could continue his love of flying.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Aubrey White and John Handy, both of Mathews.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura; his son, Charles of North Carolina; daughter, Julia Handy of Gloucester; two granddaughters, Melody Hall  and Tori  Bridges, both of Gloucester; one grandson, Erik Handy, and great-grandson, Colin, both of Tennessee.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, by the Rev. Donald Warrick Jr. Burial was in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Mathews. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the nurses and staff of Sanders Rehabilitation, to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for their care and support, and his special buddy Carlos. The family would also like to give a very deep thank you to Danny Joyce and the dedication of the volunteers with the Gloucester Housing Partnership.

Memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Housing Partnership, P.O. Box 772, Hayes, Va. 23072; or Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, P.O. Box 1130, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.