Joseph (Joe) C. Hand Jr, 85 of Athens, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at his residence. Mr. Hand was born on July 9, 1936, to Joseph C. Hand, Sr. and Grace Pugh Hand.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Emily Faye Hand, son Joseph C. Hand III (Eileen), daughter Cynthia Faye Broughton (Sammy), granddaughter Chelsey Hand, brother Bill Hand (Faye) and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Joe was first and foremost a Godly man, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a founding member of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville and also a key person in starting several missions in other churches. He was a church deacon for many years, a Sunday school teacher and mentor to many Christians.
He was in the Army during the Korean War.
He retired from NASA after 42 years of service. He began his career in White Sands, New Mexico, and them transferred to Huntsville, Alabama, to what is now known as the Marshall Space Flight Center. From there he moved to the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the early 1960’s. Mr Hand was involved in everything related to the space program including but not limited to the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle and Space Station Programs. He retired from NASA in the early 1990’s but continued to be involved with space exploration having worked several more years with NASA contractors.
A master gardener he loved to work in his yard and grow many types of plants.
Mr. Hand will be missed greatly by his family and friends.
The Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL.
There will be a Graveside Service Thursday, July 7th 2022 at 9:00 AM at Gatlin cemetery, Ardmore, AL with Bro. Tony Boyles officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Wooley Springs Baptist Church.
