John Handley High School is located in Wi******er, Virginia.
06/04/2025
Classmates, please extend your sincere condolences to our classmates Lyn Seabright passing of her brother Philip Lee Dellinger.
Phillip Lee Dellinger Phillip Lee Dellinger
05/19/2025
The Class of 1973 Mass 70th Birthday Celebration at Tom Austin's Resort, Saturday, May 17, 2025, Luncheon!
Charlie "Chuck" Miller, Class President, reported "It was a fun idea, a mass class 70th birthday party. The food was also delicious, and it was a very nice day up at Tom's resort yesterday.
He was sure that there are some folks who got a better picture than his and probably even some candid shots out on Facebook somewhere. David Newlin, Betsy's husband, seemed to be the "official" photographer, and suggested others might share here.
Thanks all
Andy Roberts
04/13/2025
Classmates
It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of our classmate. David Lawrence Kinne's passing.
Rest well dear friend
Obituary information for David Lawrence Kinne View David Lawrence Kinne's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.
02/17/2025
https://www.cartwrightfuneralhome.com/obituary/albert-washington
Class I regretfully inform you that John Handley HS sports legend and School Hall of Famer, Albert Washington, has passed away recently. Although, Albert did not graduate in our class, he was certainly a notable friend! He will be sorely missed. We send our collective condolences to the family.
Obituary for ALBERT LEE WASHINGTON at Cartwright Funeral Home, Inc. Albert Lee Washington Albert Lee Washington, 72 of Wi******er, VA gained his wings on February 2, 2025, at Wi******er Medical Center. He was born May 27, 1952, to the late Susie Downing Washington and Herbert Washington. Albert is a member of the John Handley High School Hall of Fame for
12/15/2024
Classmates it is with deep sorrow that I make you aware of the following. Please keep Chip Garber and family in your thoughts and prayers after the passing of his mother, Mrs. Nora Garber.
Nora Garber Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information Share Memories of Nora & Support the Garber Family
10/27/2024
Dear Classmates
It is with deep regret that I in form you of the passing of our classmates Mike Rikketts.
Michael Lee Ricketts
Date of Death: October 24, 2024
Michael Lee Ricketts, 69 of Wi******er, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center.
Mike was born in 1955 in Wi******er, VA, the son of the late Charles and Juanita Ricketts. He was a graduate of John Handley High School. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, deep sea fishing, watching football and scuba diving.
He is survived by his wife, Jami whom he married on April 28, 2021, daughter, Amanda Ricketts Gruber (Chris) of Wi******er, VA; son, John Ricketts of Stephens City, VA; stepdaughter, Ashley Timbrook of Wi******er, VA; stepson, Jason Timbrook (Megan) of Stephens City, VA; grandchildren, Gabrielle and Hayden Ricketts, Abigail Laing and Amelia Ricketts Gruber; step-granddaughter, Nora Timbrook; great-grandson, Milo Flores; sister, Shirley Lightner of Wi******er, VA and brothers, Jeff Ricketts (Vicki) of Wi******er, VA and Steve Ricketts (Kim) of Wi******er, VA and his beloved dog, Sq**rt.
Along with his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Clark.
Services for Mike will be private.
Due to the excellent care Mike received the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Wi******er, VA 22601.
Michael Lee Ricketts Michael Lee Ricketts, 69 of Wi******er, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center. Mike was born in 1955 in Wi******er, VA, the son of the late Charles and Juanita Ricketts. He was a graduate of John Handley High School. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing,...
10/03/2024
Obituary information for Steven Allen McConnaughey View Steven Allen McConnaughey's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.
08/01/2024
Deborah Ann “Debbie” Knight Deborah Ann “Debbie” Knight Deborah Ann “Debbie” Knight, 70, of Wi******er, VA, died Friday, July 26, 2024, at Rose Hill Health and Rehab in Berryville, VA.
08/01/2024
Classmates just learning of the following:
On July 11, 2024, the Wi******er community lost a remarkable man. Douglas Eugene Russell Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family who held his hand until the end. He dedicated his years to teaching the youth at Handley High School, directing choirs at local churches, and bringing the joy of music into the lives of many Wi******er residents.
He was born in Wi******er, Virginia, in 1931 to Douglas "Tots" Eugene Russell, Sr. and Dorothea Irene Shade. They instilled in him a lifelong love of trains and music. Doug graduated from Handley High School in 1949, where he learned to play the piano, discovered his love of music, and helped write the Handley class song. His classmates nicknamed him "Harry James" after a talented trumpet player from the 1940s and 1950s. Doug showcased his musical talent at Winc Studios, where he taught Patsy Cline how to play the piano and performed with her during the show. After graduation, Doug joined the United States Navy, where he served from 1951 to 1955. He won an audition with the Naval School of Music and spent his time in service working in the Chaplain’s office at a base in Bainbridge, MD, where he also served as a choral director for military celebrations.
After leaving the Navy, Doug attended Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1959. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in music education at Kent State University and graduated in 1968. He initiated his teaching career in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, acting as a choral director for several schools in the state. During his time there, Doug performed with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and had the honor of singing at Carnegie Hall and with the chamber choir under the renowned American Conductor, Robert Shaw. Eventually, Doug decided to relocate his family to Wi******er in 1970, where he began teaching at his former school, Handley High School. He took on the role of Choir Director, revamping three choirs and establishing two new ones. He also introduced musicals for the first time in the school's history. Doug earned the affection of both students and faculty. His famous phrase during his time at Handley was encouraging his students to “put a little zing into it”. He was featured in the Wi******er Star during Handley’s Centennial Celebration, paying tribute to the place that shaped him into the exceptional man he was, expressing his pride in giving back to his alma mater and making a difference in many lives in our community.
Doug "retired" as a teacher but continued performing locally and around the world. He served as the Director of the Apple Capital Chorus and the Barbershop Harmony Society. Additionally, he continued to perform as a singer-section leader with the Shenandoah University Arts Academy Chorale and with Musica Viva, where he also served as president of the board. He lived his musical passion while traveling around the world, singing with Piedmont Singers for three residencies. He took pride in the fact that he had the honor of singing at Wells Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He later served as the music director at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church from 1998 until his retirement. He also played organ for the First Baptist Church and the First Presbyterian Church in Wi******er, Virginia.
Doug married his first wife, Betty Jean Trenary-Russell, on June 4, 1955, at Market Street Methodist Church in Wi******er, Virginia. Together, they had two children, Karen and Kimberly Russell. He spoke fondly of his memories at the church and their family time in Ohio during his final days. In 2007, Betty passed away. In 2010, Doug married Jeong Hee Lee-Russell, whom he met at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. They bonded over their love of music and playing for various churches in the area. They dedicated every Sunday to providing the community with beautiful hymns to help them feel more connected to God. They enjoyed spending their days together reading and discussing books, cooking, listening to music, and playing piano duets in the music room.
Doug was a wonderful father who was greatly loved by his family. He is survived by two daughters: Karen Russell Anderson, who is married to Dennis Anderson, and Kimberly Russell Stroop, fiancé to Billy Hornbeak. Doug cherished his time with his children and passed on his love of music to them. This love of music was then passed on to his grandchildren, whom he always corrected if they missed a musical note. He is survived by his grandchildren: Justin Ganoe, Corie Ganoe, Kyle Bush, Autumn Stroop, and Kyra Stroop. Additionally, he has three great-grandchildren who were fortunate to have spent time with their great-grandfather: Carter Sole, Scarlett Ganoe, and Cameron Ganoe.
Everyone who knew Doug was aware of his passion for trains. He spent a lot of time creating a stunning showroom of model trains and meticulously constructing new towns around the room, such as Doug Junction and Russell Crossing. Recently, he embarked on a trip aboard his beloved train, the Shay steam engine, and journeyed to Cass, West Virginia. There, he celebrated his birthday by admiring the breathtaking views of Snowshoe and the changing leaves on the mountain. Doug often reminisced about this trip and was eagerly anticipating repeating it with his family this fall.
Doug will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, wit, and how he always had to eat the burnt cheese. We'll always imagine hearing him say "Why not?" just one more time. It's something we have all learned to say a little more often in life. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and we will miss him every day. We look around at our beautiful family and know that we are all here because of him. "It's a Russell thing!" His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
A casual gathering will be held on August 16, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, located at 228 South Pleasant Valley Road, Wi******er, Virginia. The Memorial Service for Mr. Russell will be held on August 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 116 South Loudoun Street in downtown Wi******er. The family welcomes all community members who were touched by Mr. Russell's love and generosity throughout his life. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall to share in music and listen to the memories everyone has with him.
Happy 4th of July!
04/07/2025