SR 303

UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2638
1A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Thomas V.
2 "Tom" Handy.
3WHEREAS, after graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law,
4 Tom Handy worked as an assistant for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District
5 Representative Tim Lee Carter before opening a private law practice in 1971; and
6WHEREAS, Tom Handy devoted much of his life to advocating for victims in the
7 London community and served for 28 years as Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's
8 27th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting many high-profile cases and acting as a mentor to
9 young attorneys; and
10WHEREAS, Tom Handy's colleagues describe him as having been an outstanding
11 member of the legal profession, an excellent public speaker, and a trusted and loyal
12 friend; and
13WHEREAS, Tom Handy helped incorporate Operation UNITE upon his retirement
14 in 2003 at the request of Congressman Hal Rogers, served as Chairman of its Board of
15 Directors for 17 years, and continued as a board member until his death, assisting with
16 the creation and growth of one of the most effective and comprehensive anti-drug
17 programs in the nation and putting aside political and socioeconomic differences to bring
18 positive change for all citizens of this Commonwealth; and
19WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact
20 on the London community through his many meaningful contributions, particularly
21 through service as a founding member of Leadership Tri-County, which was established
22 in 1987 to develop and empower leaders in Laurel, Knox, and Whitley Counties; and
23WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a forward-thinking champion of local tourism,
24 recognizing its potential for growth well before it became an economic priority. He was
25 the longtime chair of the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission, and he, along with
26 his brother Jim, developed early hospitality landmarks in London, including the Ramada
27 Inn, the Charcoal House, and later a motel and restaurant complex, creating enduring
  Page 1 of 3
 XXXX 4/15/2026 12:19 PM  Jacketed
 UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2638
1 gathering places that helped shape the community's growth and character; and
2WHEREAS, Tom Handy also generously gave his time and expertise to a number
3 of other public agencies throughout the Commonwealth, including the Kentucky Horse
4 Racing Authority, the Kentucky Executive Ethics Commission, the Executive Legislative
5 Committee, and the Kentucky Crime Victims Compensation Board; and
6WHEREAS, Tom Handy was a man of deep Christian faith, being a longtime
7 member of First Christian Church in London and helping to organize a mission group
8 called Assisted Better Living for Everywhere (ABLE) that performs construction mission
9 work both within Kentucky and internationally and emphasizes improvements to schools,
10 orphanages, and senior citizen residences; and
11WHEREAS, Tom Handy's greatest joys in life came from his family, and he is
12 survived by his loving wife Bonnie; his son, Starr Handy, and wife Amy; his daughter,
13 Dennie Beth Mills, and husband Matt; his brother, Jim Handy, and wife Kathy; and two
14 nephews, Jason Handy and Jimmie Handy; and
15WHEREAS, through his leadership, insight, and dedication, Tom Handy left an
16 indelible mark on his community and this Commonwealth, and his guidance will be
17 deeply missed by all who knew him;
18NOW, THEREFORE,
19 Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
20 Kentucky:
21Section 1. The Senate hereby joins with Senator Brandon Storm in expressing
22 its most profound sympathy upon the passing of Thomas V. "Tom" Handy and extends
23 its heartfelt condolences to his family in this time of loss.
24Section 2.        When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving
25 memory of Thomas V. "Tom" Handy.
26Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this
27 Resolution to Senator Brandon Storm for delivery to the family of Thomas V. "Tom"
  Page 2 of 3
 XXXX 4/15/2026 12:19 PM  Jacketed
UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2638
1 Handy.
  Page 3 of 3
XXXX 4/15/2026 12:19 PM  Jacketed