FROM THE first time he laid eyes on Cowan’s gorgeous city landscapes, Johnny Hand felt an undeniable pull. It was as if the hills, valleys, and warm-hearted people welcomed him with open arms, assuring him of a well-spent life of meaning, love, and purpose. Marrying his “Cowan girl” was the start of a journey that would see Hand pour his heart into this community — serving, mentoring, and always showing up. Celebrating 26 years in Franklin County and of marriage, Hand’s life is a beautiful combination of family, music, and service.
For Hand, traveling from Delaware to Franklin County was just the beginning of a life full of commitment to his new community and loving family. Franklin County has embraced him wholeheartedly since he moved here two decades ago.
“This community has been good to me,” Hand shared. “I’m fortunate to be able to give back in the ways that I can and in the ways that they let me.”
For Hand, giving back isn’t as much of a responsibility as it is a privilege. He stresses the importance of contribution, which he’s passed on to his twin daughters, who recently began their sophomore year at Franklin County High School.
“We are so blessed in this area,” he said. This special town allows his daughters to safely enjoy simple pleasures like going to ball games, movies, and other activities.
This same gratitude spurs his desire to contribute as a parent, a community member, and a community leader. He currently serves as the president of the United Way in Franklin County.
One of Hand’s guiding principles is the value of showing up.
“In the era of Facebook and Instagram, everybody has the solutions, but not everybody shows up at the meetings,” he said.
In his opinion, actions speak louder than words, a lesson he hopes his daughters and the young people in the community take to heart. He leads by example — showing up at ball games, dances, and community events, always ready to support and serve.
Hand is well aware of the challenges that come with growing up in a small town, especially the feeling of being limited by one’s ZIP code. But he’s quick to remind his daughters and others in the community that their location does not confine their potential. Hand encourages young people to dream big and push beyond perceived limitations.
“There are people like Jauan Jennings who went to Cowan schools when he was younger, and he just threw a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. So, I tell [my kids] all the time, ‘You’re not limited by your location.’”
Music is a hobby that began in Hand’s childhood and has been a constant companion in his life. Even though he grew up in government-assisted housing, his mother ingrained in him the belief that he was destined for greatness. She even envisioned him as the next Elvis Presley. While that dream may have taken a different form, Hand’s love for music never dwindled.
He began singing at the age of 5, influenced by his grandmother’s twin brothers, who were part of a gospel group.
Today, music remains his “safe place,” a gift he passed down to his daughters.
Hand has served as a music minister for over 15 years and continues to DJ events. A high school teacher described his voice as perfect for DJing, and it has become a familiar voice at local events.
For the past 18 seasons, Hand has been the voice that young athletes hear from the time they enter middle school until they graduate. As an announcer for the Franklin County High School Rebels football team, he enjoys the game of football and the opportunity to be a constant presence in these young people’s lives.
His voice is one they hear from the stands, but his influence reaches far and wide and surpasses the football field.
“Some of those guys are getting married now,” he shared, “I’m DJing their weddings. It’s such a joy to see them develop, not just on the field but off the field too.”
Hand’s wife’s work as a teacher and cheer coach and his own volunteer efforts allow him to remain a significant part of these young people’s lives long after they’ve left the classroom or the field.
As Hand continues to serve, he remains humble, grateful, and ever-committed to making Franklin County a better place for his daughters and future generations. GN
