Mr. Robert S Hatley

Robert Samuel Hatley, 88, of Charlotte, died on March 18, 2016. Mr. Hatley was born on July 24, 1927, in Concord, NC to the late Sam Jones Hatley and Nellie Greene Hatley.

A devoted and loving father and husband, Mr. Hatley loved his country, his family, and his God. An honest and fair man, he treated everyone he knew with the same respect, kindness, and courtesy. There will be a huge void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Mr. Hatley served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 through 1946 on the USS Charles P. Cecil, a WWII destroyer. He was an avid reader and loved going to the movies, and loved to read and watch movies about WWII.

He was a member of Enderly Park Baptist Church and later attended Glenwood Dr. Baptist Church. After his health prohibited him from attending church, he became a faithful follower of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Mr. Hatley worked at Panda Curtain Company from 1948-1950; Colonial Stores Bakery from 1950-1966; and Stone Heavy Vehicle from 1966 through 1989, when he retired.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hatley was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lena Price Hatley, whom he loved dearly; stepson, Bill Skinner; and brother, Tilmon Hatley, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Theresa (Terre) Chaffin and husband Mike, of Charlotte; stepdaughter, Patricia Kelly and husband James, of Charlotte; stepson, Steve Skinner, of Charlotte; grandson, Justin Chaffin, of Charlotte; grandson, John Kelly and wife Effie, of Charlotte; brother Muriel G. Hatley and wife Peggy, of Vacaville, California; three great grandchildren , and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Asbury Care Center for the care they provided Mr. Hatley, as well as the staff at Carrington Place Nursing Center.

A service to celebrate Mr. Hatley’s life will be held in the Paul Helton Chapel at Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, 4601 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208, on Friday, March 25 at 11:00 am, Reverend Arnold Kessler officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. Burial, with military honors, to follow in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Mr. Hatley to Hickory Grove Christian School, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215, with the designation “Middle School technology”; or to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204. Offer condolences through www.forestlawnwest.com.