Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Handler

Samuel Bernard “Sammy” Handler, 62, of Biloxi died suddenly on Thursday, September 24, 2020, while on a business trip. The Woolmarket resident was born August 22, 1958 in Biloxi and spent his life enjoying, celebrating and enriching his city with a unique personality that was at times confounding but always good-natured and well intentioned. Despite declining health in recent years, Sammy never hesitated to engage his family, friends and colleagues in lengthy ~ occasionally interminable ~ conversations in person, on the phone, or across his penetrating social media. His Facebook missives were announced by "Good Morning Friends" or "Good Morning Everyone" and enlivened by his unique grasp of the English language, which occasionally confused but always amused everyone except Siri, who eternally translated his intended sign off "Amen" as "Aman." Deeply experienced in business, life, community and politics, Sammy to his dying day regretted only the cursed cancellation of a scheduled 1969 Youth Baseball League Championship dinner at the famous Baricev's Restaurant that didn't survive the interruption of Hurricane Camille. Though he missed that much anticipated seafood dinner at Baricev's, Sammy often indulged his healthy appetite at his favorite restaurant ~ Mr. Greek. Sammy attended Biloxi High School and forever served his hometown, first as a dedicated employee in Public Works and Public Safety, and lastly for 12 years as a board member of the Biloxi Civil Service Commission. He also coached Youth Baseball and Football for many years. He began his life's work at the old Amoco Gas Station on U.S. 90 as a teenager and ended it as a successful entrepreneur, overseeing divergent businesses like Mini Storage, Fireworks Stands, and property rentals across South Mississippi. He was a strong supporter of the Biloxi Fire Department, forever monitoring its calls and often being the first to alert Fire Chief Joe Boney of a breaking emergency before the Department had time to contact the Chief. His love of the Fire Department was evident in his many years as a proud board member of the West End Hose Company #3 Fire Museum. "Sammy was a good friend with a big heart," noted one of his longtime friends. "He was the quintessential pain in the butt that you couldn't help but love because his heart was as big as he was." Sammy Handler was predeceased by his parents, Morris Sr. and Winona Handler; his wife Ethel; and his grandson, Christopher Pratt. His memory and loving support is cherished by his sisters, Susie Handler and Shirley Vogle; his brothers, Morris Handler Jr., Jimmy Williams (Dianne), Mackey Handler Sr., and Donald (Melissa) Handler; his faithful dog Chance; close friends Joe and Nancy Boney; and Dr. Terry Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Biloxi Fire Museum, (228) 435-6119. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church on Lameuse Street on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve this family.