Pastor Clarence E. Hand Sr.

Clarence grew up in Panama City, Florida where he met the love of his life, Ruth. Clarence and Ruth were married for 67 years. They moved to Tampa, Florida and Pastored First Apostolic Church of Tampa for 50 years.

Clarence and Ruth had two children, Cynthia (Michael) Webb of Seffner Fla., Clarence Jr. (Lois) Hand of Marion Ind.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Andria) Webb, Tarrah (Daniel) Mundy, Chadney (Cynthia) Hand, Sean (Sarah) Webb; 12 great-grandchildren. Cynthia has six grandchildren, Haylee, Grayson, Natalya, Emmy, Ainsley and Lennox. Clarence Jr. has six grandchildren, Samantha (Connor), Tabitha, Addalyn, Bruklyn, Jenalyn and Huntley.

Clarence was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth S Hand; parents Rev. and Mrs. WC Hand, three sisters, Myrtle Day, Virginia Anderson, Nell Kirkland; two brothers, Jessup Hand and Homer Hand.

Clarence was retired from GTE after 23 years of service. He loved being a Pastor at First Apostolic Church of Tampa Fla. for over 50 years! He led his family with Faith, Dignity, and in the Truth. Preaching God’s Word was a joy to him. He lived it and breathed the Word.

He loved spending time with his family and he and Ruth loved to travel. Going to the mountains of Tennessee was their favorite place to be. He loved going out for breakfast at his favorite place, Martha’s! He loved being with his grandkids and great grandkids and he was their Papa! He had many stories to share of his life. He loved to tell how he met Ruth and told his daddy “I’m going to marry that girl”.

We will miss our Dad/Papa! He was loved by many.

Thank you to First Apostolic Church family for all of your love and support you have given and for always being there.

A funeral service for Clarence will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at First Apostolic Church, 10720 East Broadway Avenue, Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.

Interment will be held 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024 in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3733 U.S. Highway 231 North, Panama City, Florida.