The Obituary

MALCOLM LEWIS HANDS JR., was born on June 19, 1947 to Lanie E. Hands and Malcolm L Hands Sr. in Philadelphia, PA. he was born the first child of two siblings, Raoul Hands and Joyce Hands (preceded him in death) .

Malcolm departed peacefully and was embraced by the Lord into his heavenly hands on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Malcolm received his education in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School.

On September 21, 1999, Malcom was joined in Holy Matrimony to his loving wife, Virlene C. Richardson. Within this union, Malcolm became the father of two children, whom he loved dearly, Janein D. Richardson-Hands, who preceded him in death and Telenia S. Richardson. Malcolm also became a father of two children he cherished through a previous relationship, Malcolm III, who preceded him in death and Donna C. Hands. Malcolm was later employed with the Philadelphia Prison System as a Correctional Officer and Medical College of Pennsylvania, (EPPI) as a Juvenile Mental Health Nursing Supervisor for many years.

Malcolm was well liked, loved and respected in any neighborhood he inhabited from his childhood home of North Philly, settling down in West Philly's (The Bottom) and finally dipping his feet in South Philly. He was an avid chess player and anyone that came into his presence better be prepared to lay those pieces down on the board. For Malcolm was always armed with a chess board and ready for battle. He was also a keeper of time because no one had more watches in their collection them he did and he was always on time.

Malcolm gave his life to the Lord, Jesus Christ, in his latter years and he became a loyal and faithful member of the Church of Faith Inc. Church under the current leadership of Bishop Claude R. Barnes. Malcolm was ordained as a deacon and devoted his time and diligence to maintain the post that God set for his life. He was always available to perform his ministerial duties with his best friend, Deacon Paul Bryant, whether it was to serve the congregation, Bishop Barnes, the Men's C. O. F. Choir or the upkeep of the church building. Malcolm was also well known by the church kitchen staff because they knew Deacon Hands, as they called him, loved to eat. Deacon Hands was always willing to give you a word of encouragement from the Bible and keep it real with you at the same time.

Malcolm was very charismatic and had a stroll in his walk that let you see him coming a mile away. He always had good conversation and sound advice for everyone he cared about which came with some good laughs as well. Malcolm through the years was known by many names such as Fat Cat, OG, Unc The Colonel, The Bear and Pop all befitting of his colorful, sociable character and personality.

Malcolm leaves to cherish his memories: two children, Telenia S. Richardson-Rutherford, Donna C. Hands-Thomas; one brother, Raoul Hands; one daughter-in-law, Tamika Mann; two sons-in-law, Larry C. Rutherford and Norman J. Thomas; special cousins, Ronnie Thomas and Ramona Bolden; three granddaughters, Reena Holland, Adrianna Hands, Sinai Hands; one grandson, Khari Gibbs; two great-grandson, Ahmad Wilder and Amir Roper; one sister-in-law, Brenda Evans; wife, Virlene C. Richardson-Hands, who preceded him in death and two children, Malcolm L. Hands III and Janein D. Hands, who also preceded him in death; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.