LaFAYETTE — Michael D. Hand, 71, of LaFayette died Thursday, Feb. 14 at his residence in LaFayette. He was born March 2, 1947, in LaFayette to the late Bonnie and Pearl Hughes Hand.

He was a graduate of LaFayette High School and received a degree in journalism from Samford University in Birmingham where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduating, he served as a member of the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War era.

After college, he returned to LaFayette to help his mother, Pearl Hand, publish the weekly newspaper, The LaFayette Sun, which remained in the family for 74 years. After her death in 1989, he became editor and publisher until it was sold in December 2014.

Mr. Hand was a member of First Baptist Church in LaFayette and had served as a deacon. He was very active in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, and was honored as Chambers County’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2015 by the Boy Scouts of America.

He served on the LaFayette Public Building Authority and helped oversee the expansion of the Chambers County Courthouse in downtown LaFayette. Before his health declined, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

After retiring, he enjoyed golfing with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Charline Cumbee Hand, sons Kevin Hand and Kenneth (DeAnna) Hand, grandsons Kade Hand, Kyle Hand, Landon Hand, Cohen Hand and granddaughter Addison (Addie) Hand.

The service will be held Saturday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. CST at LaFayette First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Allen and the Rev. Scott Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, 5-7 p.m. at LaFayette First Baptist Church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to LaFayette First Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 South LaFayette Street, LaFayette, AL 36862.

Condolences may be sent to jeffjonesfunderalhome.com. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, is handling the arrangements.