Mr. Freeman Thomas Hand, 66

Mr. Freeman Thomas Hand, 66, of Hazlehurst, passed away Sept. 12 at his home, surrounded by his two eldest daughters and grandchildren, following an extended illness.
He was a lifelong resident of Hazlehurst as well as a diesel mechanic, working for Atlantic Coastal Carriers, Sweats, and various other companies in the Douglas area. Thomas was a God-fearing man who loved fishing and always had bags of M&Ms waiting on his grandkids as they got off the school bus. He was preceded in death by his wife Angie Hand; parents Leroy and Louise Hand; and brother Roy Gene Hand.
Mr. Hand is survived by four daughters and four bonus daughters, Amanda Benton and husband Jimmy of Hazlehurst, Candace Daughtry of Springfield, Samantha Hand of Snipesville, Amy Hand of Alma, Tabitha Kimbrell of Hazlehurst, Destiny Ellis of Stephen of Hazlehurst, Dedra Robinson of Hazlehurst, and Jasmine Miller of Hazlehurst; brother-in-law Timonthy Stone of Brunswick; sister Annette Cooper and husband Mack of Ambrose; 21 grandchildren Bryson Benton, Ty Benton, Ashalun Benton, L’Mara McDaniel, Matthew Griffis, Maihaley Griffis, Jai Benton, Kaysen Benton, Victoria Hand, Sofia Hand, Sasha Hand, Daniel McClendon, Rosa Vasquez, Jose` Vasquez, Gracelynn Kimbrell, Austin Ellis, Isaac Ellis, Ashlynn Ellis, Xavier Taylor, Essence Robinson, and Aniyah Miller; and nephews JR Harrell of Alma and Turtle Stone of Hazlehurst.
The family will gather at Amanda Benton’s Home, 56 Cook Road, Lot #23, Hazlehurst.
The family will receive friends at Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery Sept. 21st from 2 p.m. until just prior to the service.
The graveside service will be held at Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. with Pastor Michael officiating.
The family thanks the staff of Coastal Hospice of Hazlehurst for their care and compassion.
Wilkes Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge.