Gary Lee Hand

Gary Lee Hand passed away in his home August 5, 2025. Born December 7, 1940 in Lipscomb, Alabama, Gary was a loving husband and father, and an adoring grandfather.

Gary was one of five sons born to Willis and Ruby Hand. He grew up running around town making mischief with his brothers, fishing, and getting into too much trouble. After graduating from Jones Valley High School, Gary joined the Air Force and married his "Doll Baby," Noralene Johnson. Stationed in Spokane, Washington and working as a draftsmen, Gary made the rank of Airman First Class before being honorably discharged and returning to his beloved home state with young son Michael Lee in tow. Over the following few years, daughter Pamela Joy and son Charles Edward joined the family. Gary provided for his family in myriad ways, selling real estate, working for Continental Can Company, and founding Hand Construction, which he ran with his family.

Gary was most at peace on the river. Although he didn't swim, he loved fishing and pulling his kids and eventually grandkids on tubes, skis, and wakeboards. When asked what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas, his only response was "a new boat" (said with a wink). When he wasn't on the river or wishing he was, Gary Lee was most likely watching or talking about Crimson Tide Football, which brought out his most passionate side. Roll Tide.

Although he ardently loved his boats and Alabama football, Gary took his greatest joy in being a granddad and tried his hardest to spoil each of his 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grands. From "picking a dollar" to rides to get snow cones and attending innumerable ball games and recitals, he went out of his way to make sure that his grandbabies knew he loved them "THE MOST."

Gary leaves behind his loving wife, Noralene, daughter Joy and her husband Mike, son Mike and his wife Rita, and son Chuck and his wife Sherlyn, grandchildren Ryan (Melissa), Casey (Cody), Justin (Kellie), Brooke (Sravan), Caleb (Haley), Brett, Corbin, Taylor (Zach), and Connor (Abby), great-grandchildren Aubrey, Lilly, Aimie, Molly, Eli, Ely, Hudson, Blakely, Millie, Clive, Winnie, Leta, Ryan, and Riley, and great-great grands Cooper and Kolton.

The family will receive guests at 1:00 with service beginning at 2:00 Friday, August 8th, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International or another charity of your choice.