Funeral services were announced recently for businessman and South Los Angeles community leader Wendell Handy Sr., who died Sept. 23.
In a statement announcing his death, Handy was remembered as a “pioneering businessman, elected official, and staunch community activist for over 60 years in South Central Los Angeles.’’
The statement stated he left “a legacy of businesses that employed nearly 800 south central residents and their families over 5 decades.
“He established Handy’s Wholesale Company in 1952, and serviced over 300 small mom and pop mostly Black-owned stores and businesses from Compton and throughout greater South Central LA.
“He was the first Black businessman to establish a successful wholesale company throughout greater Los Angeles,’’ the statement continued.
In 1960, Handy built Handy’s Liquor and Deli-Mart and later expanded his wholesale company. He opened seven Handy’s Beauty supply stores in the 1970s and 1980s, stretching from Los Angeles to Pasadena and his products received praise at the National Las Vegas Beauty Supply Convention.
His message to everyone in the central Los Angeles community was “Don’t Move. Improve!’’ Handy also served two terms on the School Governing Board for the Compton School District, including a four-year stint as School Board President.
Handy is survived by his four sons: Dr. Anthony Handy, Wendell Handy Jr., Hamilton Handy and step-son Jeffrey Morris.
Funeral services were held Friday at Angeles Funeral Home.
Handy’s age was not immediately disclosed.
