John M. Hands

John MacKeller Hands, aged 83, of Little River, SC, died November 19, 2016.

John was born May 6, 1933, in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Donald Otto and Viva Ruth Brown Hands. Two brothers, Donald, and Leonhard, predeceased him. John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen Griffin Hands. He leaves behind five children, Barbara Mix of Schenectady, NY; Michael Hands of Balston Spa, NY; J. Matthew Hands (Carolyn) of Eldersburg, MD; Kathleen Floyd (Kevin) of Lexington, SC; Jacqueline Ramsey (Jay) of Little River, SC; and eleven grandchildren, Tabitha Mix; Marina Hands; Patrick and Andrew Moss, and Lilly Floyd; Joseph, Benjamin, and Colin Hands; Grace, Margaret, and Lucy Ramsey; and one great grandson, Floyd Vedder. Two brothers, Donald and Leonhard, and a stillborn son predeceased him.

John served in the Michigan National Guard and was a Veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean and Cold Wars. Following his military service, he worked for the IBM Corporation retiring in 1987 after 30 years. John also worked for the Horry County School District as a computer technician, retiring in 1998. In 2005, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Little River Water and Sewerage Company.

John was active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians serving in a variety of leadership positions including as the local division's President and as a State District Director. John also played the bagpipes, honored and proud when asked to play for civic events like Veterans Day, Fallen Officers Memorials, and 9/11 Memorial Services. He was a manager of the Myrtle Beach Regional Pipe Band Drums.

A Wake will be held from 5 to 7 pm at Lee Funeral Home, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566 on Monday, November 28. A Rosary will be said at 5 pm and a prayer service will be held at 6:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea, North Myrtle Beach at 11 am on Tuesday, November 29. Inurnment will be at 10 am on Wednesday, November 30 at Our Lady Star of the Sea columbarium niche.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Trinity Catholic School, 1760 Living Stones Lane, Longs, SC 29568 are requested.

A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.