Robert M. Hatcher

Brentwood, TN

Age 76. July 22, 2014 in Brentwood, TN. Preceded in death by his parents, James and Katie (Cotton) Hatcher, and a brother, Ted Hatcher.

A resident of Brentwood, TN, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty (Holton) Hatcher; children, Jerry (Colleen) Hatcher, Terri (Brian) Goodwin; grandchildren, Brad, Jeffrey, Zach, Autumn, Emma, Lauren; great-grandchild, Anna; brothers, Alex (Jean) Hatcher, Harold (Dot) Hatcher, Howard (Dot) Hatcher, Tom (Nancy) Hatcher.

Bob was born March 22, 1938 in Davidson Co., TN, graduated from Eagleville High School in 1956 as senior class President, received a B.S. Degree in Biology from M.T.S.U. and a M.S. in Fishery Biology from Auburn Univ. He worked for 38 years for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in several positions, including Non-Game and Endangered Species Coordinator. In this position, he initiated the restoration of the Bald Eagle in Tennessee resulting in the release of 284 eagles over 22 years. He also was responsible for reintroducing Osprey, River Otters, endangered mussels and other species throughout Tennessee. He was a member of Antioch United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving in many capacities as a lay leader, lay speaker, Sunday School teacher, Men's Club President and church Trustee.

He was a former national President of The Carnegians and a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS). He received numerous professional honors including: 987 TN Wildlife Professional of the year, The Wildlife Society; 1997 National Bald Eagle Person of the Year, Eagle Nature Foundation; 1997 Jane Whitson Conservation Award, The Nature Conservancy; 1999 Distinguished Service Award, TOS; 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award, The Wildlife Society; 2001 newly discovered fish species found only in the Caney Fork River named "Etheostoma hatcheri" in recognition of fisheries contributions.

After retiring from TWRA, Bob served as a part-time consultant with the American Eagle Foundation. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with Betty, spending time with family & friends, researching and recording Hatcher genealogy.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Robert Hatcher college scholarship fund administered by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF). The scholarship will benefit a student majoring in Wildlife Biology. Donations are tax deductable and can be sent to TWRF at 5000 Linbar Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Please indicate it is for the Hatcher scholarship fund.

Visitation with family Saturday, July 26th from 3- 8 p.m., at Woodlawn on Thompson Ln., Nashville, TN and on Sunday, July 27th from 1-2 p.m., at Antioch United Methodist Church, 41 Tusculum Rd., Antioch, TN with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Entombment to follow in Woodlawn's Cross Mausoleum.

Active Pallbearers: Brad Mabry, Jeffrey Hunter, Ralph Maxson, Greg Spradley, Danny Shelton, Jim Kershaw. Honorary Pallbearers: Clara Harris Sunday School Class, AUMC Men's Club, Clarence and Alice Elkins, Barnett and Polly McConnell.

Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com