Starley J. Hand Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Marvin United Methodist Church for lifelong Tyler resident and nationally known rose grower/processor/shipper, Starley J. Hand Jr. with Dr. Doug Baker and Rev. Gerry Giles officiating. A private entombment will take place at Tyler Memorial Park Mausoleum under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Hand passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at his Tyler home. He was born January 29, 1926 in Tyler to Starley J. Hand Sr. and Josephine Hand, the first of 5 children. Starley grew up working by his father’s side raising cattle and growing roses before joining the Army Air Corps at age 17 and serving until the end of WWII. Upon returning from service, he again joined his father in the rose business until being called to serve in the Korean Conflict until 1952. Ask anyone who knew him and they will tell you Starley always had a positive outlook on life and a very keen mind for business. Through the years he was involved in founding several successful businesses. He married Faye in 1953, and in 1954, together they started Hand Rose Farms and sold and shipped roses all over the U.S. and some foreign countries. He was very active in supporting and promoting the rose industry by serving as president of the Rose Research Foundation, procurement chairman of Texas Rose Festival and taking part in Texas Landscape and Nursery Association, Southern Nursery Association and American Association of Nurserymen. In 1968, he was instrumental in founding Hand/Patterson Imports to import artificial flowers, foliage, floral décor items and other decorative accessories from Hong Kong. The company later became known as Celebrity, Inc., one of the largest importers in the U.S. He also owned and operated Starcott Ranch, which produced pure bred Santa Gertrudis and Semintal cattle. He also was an active member of Marvin United Methodist Church, volunteering for numerous missions and serving as president of the Friendly Bible Class, which is celebrating its 90th year of existence this month. Starley was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Armstrong and daughter, Starla Horton. He is survived by his wife, Alta Faye Hand; son, Scott Hand and wife Karen; son-in-law, Ken Horton; grandchildren, Brandon (Callie) Hand, Allison (Jonathan) Boggan, Stacy (Mark) Stelzel, Elizabeth (Lowell) Walter, Natalie (Chris) Mize and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Sue Payne, Rosemary Dawsey and brother, Ted Hand. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Hand, Jonathan Boggan, Mark Stelzel, Lowell Walter and Chris Mize. Special thanks go out to caregivers Claudia Juarez, Kenia Caro, Suhail Diaz, Sarah Hernandez and Elizabeth Diaz. If desired memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or Marvin United Methodist Church – Eternal Flame Fund 300 W. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702.

Starley J. Hand Jr.

January 29, 1926 - August 5, 2018