Archer Leigh Handy, age 73, of Clayton, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Archer was born on February 23, 1952, in Tecumseh, Michigan, one of three children to Clare E. and Arlene M. (Hunt) Handy. He graduated from Onsted High School in 1970 and received his teaching degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Siena Heights University.
On May 12, 1972, Archer married Nancy J. Pickford in Adrian, MI and they celebrated over 53 of the most beautiful years together.
Archie started his teaching career in the Onsted School system before moving on to Adrian Public Schools. He taught at both Michener and Alexander Elementary, retiring in 2013 after 30 years of teaching. His warm personality made him a great educator, and he always enjoyed running into former students when out in the community. Archie liked being active and adventurous, enjoying biking, kayaking and gardening, as well as running with friends. Archie and Nancy loved to travel, exploring many of our national parks and the beauty of our world. They are members of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he preached beautiful sermons as part of their ministry support team. He lived his life as Jesus commanded, loving God and all his neighbors. He volunteered his time with Salvation Army, receiving their volunteer of the year award. Archie’s family was his love and joy. He was very proud of the title “Papa” and loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events whenever he could. He was known to be ready with a joke or some trivial knowledge to entertain his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Archie is survived by his children, Michael (Amanda Hobson) Handy, Bethany (Andrew) Bartos and Rachel (Brandon) Kintner; grandchildren, Drew, Cullen and Makenna Bartos, Archer, Sawyer and Porter Handy; sister, Sylvia Stoner; father-in-law, Kenneth (Kaye) Pickford; in laws, Steven (Cheryl) Pickford, Kathleen (Gordon) Bousman, Kendra Barrett, Lisle (Janice) Pickford, Mary Jo (Brian) Kuney and Ken Sebenick; special puppy, Reba Leigh; grandpups, Flynn, Coty and Bella Rose; and a wonderful extended family including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diane Sebenick; mother-in-law, Joyce Pickord; and brothers-in-law, Kevin Barrett, Sr., Dale Stoner and Darwin Sexton.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1 PM at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Cambridge Junction Twp., with the Rev. Diana Walworth officiating. Following the service, there will be a gathering celebrating Archie’s life at the Gauci Golf Resort from 3 to 6 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee County Salvation Army or St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Cambridge Junction.
Archer was born on February 23, 1952, in Tecumseh, Michigan, one of three children to Clare E. and Arlene M. (Hunt) Handy. He graduated from Onsted High School in 1970 and received his teaching degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Siena Heights University.
On May 12, 1972, Archer married Nancy J. Pickford in Adrian, MI and they celebrated over 53 of the most beautiful years together.
Archie started his teaching career in the Onsted School system before moving on to Adrian Public Schools. He taught at both Michener and Alexander Elementary, retiring in 2013 after 30 years of teaching. His warm personality made him a great educator, and he always enjoyed running into former students when out in the community. Archie liked being active and adventurous, enjoying biking, kayaking and gardening, as well as running with friends. Archie and Nancy loved to travel, exploring many of our national parks and the beauty of our world. They are members of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he preached beautiful sermons as part of their ministry support team. He lived his life as Jesus commanded, loving God and all his neighbors. He volunteered his time with Salvation Army, receiving their volunteer of the year award. Archie’s family was his love and joy. He was very proud of the title “Papa” and loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events whenever he could. He was known to be ready with a joke or some trivial knowledge to entertain his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Archie is survived by his children, Michael (Amanda Hobson) Handy, Bethany (Andrew) Bartos and Rachel (Brandon) Kintner; grandchildren, Drew, Cullen and Makenna Bartos, Archer, Sawyer and Porter Handy; sister, Sylvia Stoner; father-in-law, Kenneth (Kaye) Pickford; in laws, Steven (Cheryl) Pickford, Kathleen (Gordon) Bousman, Kendra Barrett, Lisle (Janice) Pickford, Mary Jo (Brian) Kuney and Ken Sebenick; special puppy, Reba Leigh; grandpups, Flynn, Coty and Bella Rose; and a wonderful extended family including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diane Sebenick; mother-in-law, Joyce Pickord; and brothers-in-law, Kevin Barrett, Sr., Dale Stoner and Darwin Sexton.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1 PM at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Cambridge Junction Twp., with the Rev. Diana Walworth officiating. Following the service, there will be a gathering celebrating Archie’s life at the Gauci Golf Resort from 3 to 6 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee County Salvation Army or St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Cambridge Junction.
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