Austin Hand

February 7, 1977 - August 8, 2021

Charles "Austin" Hand, 44, died on Sunday, August 8, 2021. He was born in Ocala, Florida, February 7, 1977. His parents are Charles Wesley Hand and Libby Burkhalter Hand. Austin graduated from Forest High School class of 1995. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 7 years supporting the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort SC and 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller at Pope AFB, NC. In 2004, he served the AF 332 AEW/EOSS during combat at Balad Air Base Iraq in support of Operation Iraqui Freedom. After his military service he continued to serve our nation as an Air Traffic Controller at Bethal Air Base AK, Kodiak Airport AK and Homestead Air Force Base FL. Austin spent his leisure time fishing, scuba diving, playing music and video games, and enjoying life with his family and friends. His infectious sunshine and Jedi-like wit will be terribly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness and for showing up for others. He is survived by his mother, father, sister Lorrie Pharmer and husband Jim Pharmer, sister Leslie Wise and husband EJ Wise, his nephews, Weston and Landon Wise, Griffin Pharmer, and niece Becky Pharmer. At the families request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a late date when we are all free of the coronavirus that took his life. In lieu of flowers the family requests your support to your local hospitals, doctors, and nurses. Giving Opportunity: https://baptisthealthgiving.net/Foundation/COVID19-Relief