Harold Joseph Sands Jr.

Harold (Hal) Sands, Jr., peacefully passed away on April 7th at 7:15pm at the Claremore Veterans Center. Hal is now absent from the body and face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ. Hal was a proud veteran, devoted softball coach and faithful witness of Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a legacy of service, mentorship, and unwavering faith that touched the lives of countless athletes, friends and family. Hal was born on April 11th, 1947, in Muskogee OK to his parents Harold Joseph Sands, Sr. and Gloria Sands Hunt. Hal is survived by his daughter, Whitney Sands Thornton; granddaughter, Mallory Thornton; and sisters, Sandy Sands and Cindy Burnham and husband Tony Burnham; niece, Ryan Ellis and son Connor Ellis and daughter Vivian Ellis; and niece, Leigh Anne Craig and husband Chas Craig and their daughters, Caroline Craig and Norah Craig and son, Everett Craig. Hal attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated June 1966. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Libya, Africa where he worked as a Water and Waste Processing Specialist Supervisor and as an Engineer Environmental Support Specialist. Hal also played baseball and football and enjoyed the competitiveness of sports. While stationed in Africa, Hal contracted a rare disease called Polyarteritis Nodosa that affects veins and arteries. Due to this disease, he was honorably discharged on June 6th, 1972. As a result of the disease, Hal was not able to work upon discharge. He was an avid fisherman and loved to fish. So, he started his own business repairing fishing rods and reels and tackle. He worked out of the home and for Okie Bug. He also loved bowling and worked in the pro shop drilling bowling balls. He stayed busy with these hobbies and side jobs making many friends along the way. He was known to perfect any sport or skill he worked in by reading books and literature to help teach others. Hal began teaching his daughter Whitney how to play softball and later formed his own team through the Green Country Softball association, called The Sport About Wildcats. As his love and knowledge grew for the sport, he was asked to be a volunteer coach for Muskogee High Girls Softball Team, The Rougherettes. Hal continued to coach many summers with the Wildcats winning several tournaments and championships and was a volunteer coach for the Muskogee Rougherettes for over 17 years. He was most proud of the work he did with the softball teams and girls he coached. Hal had a special gift for coaching girls and teaching them how to play the game and have confidence in themselves. Hal supported the players he coached on and off the field and he always wanted them to succeed in their lives. He mentored many of his players and they loved him just as much as he loved them. Hal was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in June of 2002 and again in 2006. He also kept the grounds at the MHS field, the Green Country and Hatbox fields. He did his job well, and it was evident in the appearance of the fields. Hal was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2004 and began to be treated for the disease. As the disease progressed, he was not able to coach any longer and later moved to the Claremore Veterans Center for his treatment and care. Through the struggles of the diseases and the adversity, he always kept his faith in God. He witnessed to many of the nurses and staff at the Veterans Center where he was affectionally called “Coach”. He also made several friends at the Veterans Center that he enjoyed playing bingo and dominoes with. Hal read and studied his Bible daily and always had a positive attitude. When asked what the one thing is that he wanted to be known for, he said “that I was a follower of Christ”. Hal’s favorite Bible Verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. “ 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 11th at First Baptist Church Muskogee, 111 S. 7th Street, Muskogee OK 74401. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.

Harold Joseph Sands Jr.

April 11, 1947 - April 6, 2025