Charles Edward Handsel

Stanley

Charles Edward Handsel was born on September 24,, 1936, and died on July 20, 2018. He was the son of Russell and Lila Huggins Handsel.

Charlie graduated from Stanley High School, where he excelled in all sports, earning stardom in track and football. He was the only football player from Stanley High School to ever earn the honor of playing in the Shrine Bowl. He achieved records in football and track, many of which are still unbroken. Still today, people comment on how fast he ran and how much they enjoyed watching him play. In addition, Charlie was a founding member of Stanley CD Rescue Squad.

Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Joy, with whom he celebrated a 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Charlie and Joyce raised two loving daughters, Lisa and Amanda.  He  enjoyed sharing in the lives of his grandchildren. He was their #1 fan and could often be heard on the sidelines of their sporting events making comments such as “Way to go, big boy!”  He also enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to fish during family beach vacations.

Survivors include his wife,  Joyce Joy Handsel and daughters Lisa Carpenter and husband Joel of Jefferson; and Amanda Walley of Stanley.  Grandchildren include Joshua Carpenter and wife, Jayne Lee Carpenter, of Asheville; Jennifer Carpenter of Winston-Salem; Kerry Carpenter of Winston-Salem; Jacob Walley of Charlottesville, VA; and one great granddaughter, Lewen Carpenter of Asheville. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Fortenberry  of Nashville, NC. Charlie was, and will always remain, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and Papaw.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Alexander  Walley, and siblings , James, Jack, Harold, and Richard Handsel, Betty Long, and Frances Huffstetler .

Charlie was a quiet man who cherished his family and took great measures to ensure their happiness, safety, and well-being, including the gentle harassment to always drive defensively, keep your oil changed and tries properly inflated, and watch out for sharks and bears depending on if you’re at the beach or the mountains.  He will be missed dearly.

A service will be held 2PM July 24 at Chapel Mausoleum, Hillcrest Gardens, Mt Holly. Reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Charles Handsel to Duke Cancer Institute,  710 W Main St, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701.

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