Back to Obituaries Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL

Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy

Passed 03/27/2026

Obituary For Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy

Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed March 27, 2026. Kappa Rites will be Friday, April 3, 2026, at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 4, 2026, from Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Alabama State has established a scholarship in Rev. Handy's honor. We are requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory here: https://tinyurl.com/CromwellHandy

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Condolences & Tributes

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Donna turner planted 5 trees in memory of Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy . - April 03, 2026

Plant trees for Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy

Susan Dukes sent The Peace Lily for Rev. Cromwell Antonio Handy - April 01, 2026

I remember Rev. Cromwell being a very welcoming pastor. He and his wife were always very king and personable when I attended Dexter Ave King Memorial. This is very saddening to find out about his passing. May the Lord grant his family peace and healing.

Cynthia Grant

What a great and beloved man Cromwell Handy. We knew Cromwell from his time in Cincinnati and he was well liked and respected in the law enforcement community. Alabama State University was never far from his mind and those of us that knew him would bring up the sports teams and his time as a band member. What a shock to lose such a respected and important man to his Montgomery community. Our condolences to the Handy family.

Kent and Beth Rogers

The storms of life for Reverend/Brother Handy have ceased. Jesus has commanded the storms of life to be still.

Rest now,

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated Beta Zeta Chapter Alumni Brothers

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporate, d BZ Chapter, Alumni Brothers

Sending condolences, prayers and loving thoughts to the entire Handy family. May God be with you in the coming days, weeks and years.

Rev. GiGi Warren

Sending our condolences to the Handy family. We pray that God will provide strength during this difficult time. Rev. Handy will certainly be missed. ~Ray and Laura Adams

Ray and Laura Adams

My dear friend you were a beacon of light to my family. Your exemplary character, your courage, your love for ASU and will leave a lasting legacy.

Vanessa Dickens Gadie

To Cynthia and family You have our sincere condolences. Each time I came in contact with Rev Handy, he was always kind and loving. I remember when my pastor preached at Dexter King, we were treated with such kindness and respect. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏽🙏🏽✝️❤️❤️

Annie Ware

Cromwell was a diligent son of his Alma Mater. He was true to his calling. It was my honor to work with him through the decades. Lillie and I extend prayers to the family. Charlie & Lillie Hardy Class of 1962

Charlie E. Hardy

With greatest sympathy in your time of grief. May you be greatly comforted by the grace of God through His word and His Holy Spirit. In our prayers. Blessings.

Rev. Jerry Iverson, Sr.

What a special man. We attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center together in 1980. He was smart and it does not surprise me that he became a minister. One fond memory was one of our classmates who was with Capitol Police was given 5 tickets to the Jekyll Island Ball. As they were getting ready to go, they asked me why I was not getting ready. I said to them it's a black fundraiser, and they responded you are our brother; you are going. We entered the Ball room, and you could hear a pin drop. A big man came up and said why are you here, and Cromwell said he is my brother can't you see the resemblance. Great guy. Rest in Piece my friend!!!

Jeff Sandy

My deepest sympathy.

Jacque Riordon

Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My family and I will miss him at the Alumni Brunch and saying "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah State." Try and stay strong during this difficult time.

Cynthia Welborn

From Rev. Dr. Harry L. Tyson & Mrs. Karla Tyson To the beloved family of Reverend Cromwell Handy, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you during this sacred and tender season. It is with deep reverence, heartfelt gratitude, and abiding love that we share this reflection in honor of our dear brother and servant of the Lord, Reverend Cromwell Handy. His life was a testimony—one that preached even when he was not standing behind a pulpit. I (Dr. Tyson) had the distinct privilege of ministering alongside Reverend Handy at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, where his presence was steady, his spirit gracious, and his commitment to Christ unwavering. He was the kind of servant who did not seek recognition, yet his faithfulness spoke volumes. Whether in the sanctuary or in quiet moments of service, Reverend Handy embodied the Scripture: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). Beyond Lincoln Heights, Karla and I were blessed to visit Reverend Handy during his pastoral leadership at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. There, we witnessed the same devotion magnified—his shepherd's heart on full display. He led with humility, preached with conviction, and loved God's people with sincerity. His ministry was not just a position—it was his calling, his joy, and his life's work. Reverend Handy was a bridge-builder, a quiet encourager, and a man whose walk matched his words. He had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and strengthened. His laughter could lighten a room, and his wisdom could steady a storm. We will always remember not only what he did, but who he was—a faithful preacher, a devoted pastor, a loving family man, and above all, a servant of the Most High God. We pray that the God of all comfort will surround you with His peace, uphold you with His strength, and remind you that Reverend Handy now rests in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully. With love, prayers, and deepest sympathy, Rev. Dr. Harry L. Tyson Mrs. Karla Tyson

Rev. Dr. Harry L Tyson

Thanking God for the life and ministry of Reverend Cromwell Handy. Praying that God will comfort the Handy family through your hurt and pain. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)"

Al Patton

My condolences are extended to the family of Cromwell Handy. May God strenthen you in this time of sorrow but keep the wonderful memories alive. Mr. Handy was so great in coordinating my 50th year ASU graduation celebration. He and Mrs. Handy kept things moving so smoothly and beautifully. I am so glad to be a part of the Houston Alumni Association which his daughter and son-in-law are also members. Mr. Handy will be missed.

Marilyn Stringer Atkins

My condolences to the Handy family. Rev. Handy, his wife and brother (Ron) have inspired and uplifted my granddaughter Nyla Spann in her mime ministry. They were one of the first churches to allow her to mime in their sanctuary several times. That smile of Rev. Handy will be missed.

Elizabeth Strickland

My prayers are with Mrs. Dorothy and the Handy family. We have lost an earthly angel and his memories will last a lifetime. I miss him already. He contributed to my spiritual growth through his teachings, compassion during sorrow and travels up the rough side of the mountains. He was a man of integrity and commitment to his Lord and Savior, who welcomed him into his eternal home on March 27, 2026. He fought a good fight and every battle that he overcame was recorded in the book of life which ensured his seat in the kingdom. Rev. Handy, rest well and I will meet you in the morning.

Eudessa Reese

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Cromwell. May God comfort you and give you His peace that passes all understanding. Charles & Irene Beauregard

Charles Beauregard

My sincere condolences to Cynthia ,the girls,and family and friends. My fondest memories of Cromwell as my boss was his committment to ensuring people of color were hired in the CI Co-op program, the continued development and promotion of us and his great sense of humor. Cromwell could have an entire room in laughter... Your job is well done on earth.. May you rest in eternal peace.

Donna Turner

My deepest condolences to the Handy family. Praying God be with you during this time of grief. May the fund memories of Cromwell put a smile on your face and forever be in your heart.

Betty Stewart

Sending my condolences to the Handy Family of your loss and especially Mrs Cynthia,his children. ~ Torian

Torian Marshall

My sincerest condolences to the Handley family , praying that God will comfort and give you the strength to endure.

Martha Chappell Shipnan

My deepest condolences to the Handy Family, Cromwell will be missed.

Susan Dukes

To Mrs. Handy and the Family,

On behalf of Alabama A&M University Alumni Affairs, Cromwell was a valued colleague, dear friend, and trusted confidant. We began our careers in higher education around the same time and often shared best practices, learning and growing together along the way. I will always appreciate those moments and the genuine connection we shared. May you find comfort in your memories and strength in the love of family and friends during this difficult time.

Sandra Stubbs, Director of Alumni Affairs Alabama A&M University

Sandra Stubbs-Alabama A&M University Alumni Director

My deepest condolences to the family

Charles Hunter

To Ms.Handy and family, my condolences to you and your daughters, may God strengthen you all at this time. As a former colleague of Cromwell, it was always a pleasure to be in his presence. God bless and keep you all

Dianne H. Cain

Sending condolences and prayers to Mrs. Cynthia Handy and family. ASU GOLDEN SOCIETY MEMBER.

Dorothy Glenn Henry

Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to Mrs. Dorothy Handy from the Montgomery Education Retirees Association. ( MERA)

Dorothy Glenn Henry

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family of Rev. Cromwell Handy. May God bless and strengthen you all during your time of bereavement. He was a man of faith and integrity. (The Rudolph Family)

Kenneth Rudolph

Condolences to the family and all loved ones! Reverend Handy, job well done sir!!

Rest in peace ✝️♦️

Joey Merritt

My deepest condolences are extended to Mrs. Handy and the Handy Family. It was an honor and pleasure to serve as the church secretary during Rev. Handy's tenue at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. I will always cherish those years. The kindness, love, and respect that you and Rev. Handy showed me, shall never be forgotten. Love Always!! May Our Heavenly Father continue to bless and keep you and your family during this time of bereavement. " So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you! I will hold you with my righteous hand.

Cora Thomas

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. My family and I send our condolences and sympathy to the Handy Family. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. SLP '79 (Gwenita Riley Ponder) SLP '77 (Charlie Ponder)

Gwenita Ponder

To the entire Handy Family. On behalf of the Brooks Family, we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers during this time of sorrow and bereavement.

Cynthia Brooks Smith

With Deepest Sympathy to Handy , Johnson, and other families in your time of Bereavement. Earth has no Sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal. We extend our prayers to each of you.

Ms Dorothy J Roberts Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

SLP 73

Dorothy J Roberts

On behalf of the Alabama State University Houston Metro Alumni Chapter, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Smith, and the entire family. Rev. Handy was a true advocate and liaison for our chapter. Casey and Wesley are valued members of our Hornet family, and we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

ASU Houston Metro Alumni Chapter

To Ms.Handy Me and Tondrea Bryant Always loved you and your husband we are so sorry for the lost of him he was so kind and had a smile on his face that lit up whatever room he enter i was happy that you shared his word smile kindness mentor leadership with all we will always love u Ms Reese

Cassabdra Reese

My deepest condolences to the family!🕊️ Sheila Pryor ASU

Sheila Pryor

Praying for the Handy and Johnson families - that God will comfort and strengthen you in the days to come. You have our deepest sympathy.

Jerry & Valinda Johnson

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL

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