William Timothy "Tim" Hand, age 79, of Newton, and most recently Bay Springs, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home - North Chapel. Rev. Tyler Carroll will officiate with special remarks by Charles Godwin. Burial will follow privately in the Lawrence Cemetery at a later date. Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Tim was born and raised in Newton and was a 1946 graduate of Newton High School and furthered his education at East Central Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a longtime employee of Lumberman's Underwriting Alliance where he retired as Vice President of Sales for the central United States. Mr. Hand was an avid fisherman, holding membership with the Fishers of Men Bass Club. He was a family man who will be remembered as a wonderful husband, dedicated father, as "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a Christian by testimony of his faith, serving as a Deacon for many years at First Baptist Church of Newton, and held current membership at Lake Como Baptist Church at Bay Springs. Favorite past times were RV travelling throughout the United States and Canada and served with Campers on Mission. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ona Hand and an infant brother, Paul.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Annette Jordan Hand of Bay Springs; Paul Hand (Melinda) of Bay Springs, and Christi Hand of Brandon; four grandchildren, Baleigh Hand Grete (Will) of Clinton; McKayla Hand Carroll (Tyler) of Madison; McKenzie Guyse Slay (John Avery) and Morgan Guyse, both of Brandon; seven great-grandchildren, William, Maggie, Jaden, Caroline, Juliet, Elizabeth, and Troy; sisters, Polly Hand Lindsley (Danny) of Newton and Deborah Hand Lewis (Bruce) of Terry; and one brother, Jeffery Hand (Adriana) of Brandon; several nieces and nephews also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lake Como Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 969, Bay Springs, MS 39422. 

Newton County Funeral Home - North, 9998 Eastside Dr. Ext., Newton, is in charge of arrangements.