LONDON, Ky. (WYMT) – A long-time former commonwealth’s attorney in southern Kentucky has died.

Tom Handy of London served as commonwealth’s attorney for Kentucky’s 27th judicial circuit for 28 years.

He retired in 2003. That same year, he helped incorporate the anti-drug organization Operation UNITE at the request of Congressman Hal Rogers.

He chaired UNITE’s board for 17 years.

Handy was also a candidate for Lt. Governor in 1995. He and Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy lost to Paul Patton in a very close race. Forgy died in 2022.

He was also a charter member of Leadership Tri-County, one of the founders of the World Chicken Festival and served as president of the London-Laurel County Tourism Commission Board.

Senator Mitch McConnell released this statement: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend Tom Handy. Tom was a fellow graduate of UK Law, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and served the people of Kentucky dutifully for 28 years as Commonwealth’s Attorney. Tom’s devotion to others extended outside of public service through his mission work and service on numerous boards. Tom and I were friends for 50 years, and I’m grateful to have known him. Each and every day he worked to make Kentucky a better place and to improve the lives of so many. Elaine and I are praying for his wife Bonnie and thinking of his entire family.”

We interviewed him several times through the years on WYMT.

The last time was in 2024 about honoring Laurel County’s basketball history.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.