Ned Andrew Handback, age 82, passed away peacefully on March 7, surrounded by his family.
A native of Clinton, South Carolina, Ned lived a full and faithful life marked by hard work, an unyielding devotion to his family, a deep Christian faith, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Ned grew up in Clinton, South Carolina, where he learned the values of responsibility, selflessness, faith, and perseverance that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Clinton High School, graduated from Georgia Military College and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia in 1966. He proudly served as a member of the South Carolina National Guard.
Following his education, Ned became a successful businessman in the Upstate of South Carolina.
He and his wife Murray owned and operated a Gulf Oil distribution plant and The Home Store convenience stores, both a staple of the community. Ned built this business throughdetermination, perseverance, and a reputation for honesty and fairness, while also contributing to the economic growth of Laurens County. He retired from business in 1997 after many years of dedicated work and leadership.
Outside of business, Ned’s greatest joys were found outdoors with family and friends. He was anavid hunter and fisherman who spent countless hours in the woods, on the water, and in hisgardens. Whether hunting and fishing locally or traveling with family and friends in search of game, Ned never grew tired of this passion. In retirement, Ned shifted his focus to his gardens.
He spent many hours with his beloved Murray working together and growing vegetables and flowers that they gladly shared with family and friends. Whether at Edisto Beach or later in Peachtree City, his gardens were a source of pride and peace. To know Ned was to hear a good story — usually about hunting, fishing, his gardens, or the latest stories about his beloved daughters.
Ned was a lifelong Christian and a devoted member of the Anglican church. He served as Senior Warden of All Saints Episcopal Church in Clinton, South Carolina, and also served on its vestry.
He later served on the vestry of Trinity Church, Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and remained a faithful member of All Saints Anglican Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. His faith guided his life and was evident in his quiet generosity, steady presence, and commitment to his family and church.
After retiring in 1997, Ned and his beloved wife, Murray, moved to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, where they spent many happy years. In 2012, they moved to Peachtree City, Georgia, to be closer to family. Ned and his wife, Murray Addison Handback, were married for 60 years, a partnership that was the center of his life and the foundation of his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rufus Andrew Handback; his mother, Joyce Braswell Handback; and his brother, Donald Edward Handback.
He is survived by his loving wife, Murray Addison Handback; his daughters, Martha-Murray Handback Cox (Billy) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and Jane Andrew Handback Adams (Joel) of Peachtree City, Georgia; his grandchildren, Kathryn Greenberg of Peachtree City, Georgia; Blanton-Harris Cox of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Liza Greenberg of Austin, Texas; Ross Cox of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Brittany Adams of Sandy Springs, Georgia; Kaitlyn Richard (Garrett) of Newnan, Georgia; and his great-grandchildren, Calum Richard and Elias Richard.
What Ned loved most was his wife Murray, their family, his carefully tended gardens, and Christ.
To know Ned was to know a man of humility, gentleness, selflessness, kindness, perseverance, and love. In short, Ned lived his life as a Christlike example for his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, and his community. He was a faithful servant and leader. Ned will be missed by his family, friends, and community more than words can adequately express.
Anglican funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, Fayetteville, Georgia (Ebenezer Road), with a reception in the Parish Hall to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Church, Fayetteville, Ga. and American Cancer Society.
