Mr. Joseph Handelman

Joseph Stuart Handelman 22 of Albany Georgia, died Monday morning, March 23, 2015, at Wellstarr Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. Beloved son, brother, and grandson, he was born January 6, 1993. Son of Joy Sheffield Handelman, Todd Stuart Handelman and Bonita Handelman. Brother, Daniel Todd Handelman of Albany, Georgia. Grandson of Dr. Charles Sheffield and Ann Horne Sheffield of Americus, Georgia. Preceded in death by grandparents, Leon and Irene Handelman of Trinity, Florida. Stepbrother to Brandon Graham and Jessica Tucker. Joseph’s funeral service will be at 11 AM on Friday, March 27, 2015 at Byne Memorial Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at Byne Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 5-7 PM. Internment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery following the service. Joseph was educated in Albany Georgia. His life's passion was professional wrestling. He entered the business like a bright-eyed child in a candy store and finished his career as a well respected, admired and loved professional though he was younger by far than nearly everyone he encountered in the business. He began his wrestling career at 15 and was trained by Kevin Thomas, Georgia Championship Wrestling, in Phenix City, Alabama. His first match was on November 22, 2008 at the "God Bless Fort Benning Day" celebration in Columbus, Georgia where he wrestled as a Russian "Josef Barkon" and, to his delight, was heckled by soldiers for his part in the match as the bad guy. He continued his training in Tifton, Georgia, with Jake "the Real Deal" Slater who helped him become "Wild Child Joey Kidman" the name that he kept for the rest of his career. Wild Child wrestled from Maine to Illinois to Mississippi, and Florida. He was with Platinum Championship Wrestling, then Peach Wrestling Alliance, UIW, DPW, and many, many other promotions. Among his favorite opponents were Vordell Walker, the Exotic Ones, Pain, and his trainer the Real Deal. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to train with his hero Bret "the Hitman" Harte. Wrestling was Joe's life and breath until a back injury sidelined him in late in 2014. Still, he kept close contact with his beloved wrestling family and had hopes for returning to the squared circle one day. Their many tributes to him have been an inspiration and comfort for his family. During his career, Joseph became a favorite among the children, and developed a special bond with them. They cheered Wild Child's victories and cried over his defeats. Joe's love for others reflected his belief that we are created by God. He was never too busy to listen to a friend or to try to help out someone with a problem. You may sign the online guestbook and share your memories with the family of Joseph Stuart Handelman by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Mr. Joseph Handelman

January 16, 1993 - March 23, 2015