Fred Hatley

A Glimpse into his life The journey of life for Fred Hatley began on June 3, 1930, around the Burtsell, Okolona community in Clark County, AR. He was the 9th child born to Jim Hatley and Lucinda McNear. His parents taught him to adhere to high morals as well as impeccable spiritual and educational values. They often told him that a good name was more desirable than to have riches of silver, gold, and rubies. He attended public school in Okolona, AR and enjoyed public school life. Like many of his older siblings, he missed days of school because he had to work and help care for his family. He accepted Christ at a tender age at the St. Clair Baptist Church in the Burtsell community. Fred was an active and lively boy who loved to be around his parents and siblings and other relatives. He grew up to be a tall handsome and stylish young man and thought his groove was smooth and debonair. Fred attended public school in Okolona where he met this often shy, coy and beautiful young lady name Jerine Severs, whom he affectionally called “Sally Ann”. Fred and Sally Ann started a courtship. After meeting with Sally Ann's Mother and grandfather, Old man Jerry Severs, they got engaged, married and started their family. They made their home in Gurdon, AR and raised ten beautiful, healthy children. He provided for his family by being employed at Reynolds Metal Company in Gum Springs, AR. After several years of working at Reynolds, He went to visit his brothers in California and began working there for twenty-five years. He joined New Traveler's Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastoral leadership of Rev. Durham, He served as an usher and helped with the maintenance. He became Pastor Durham's personal chauffeur. Fred later moved back to Gurdon, AR and reunited with his family, siblings and other relatives. Upon his return, He united with the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church where he became the janitor of the church and participated with the men ministry until his health failed. He was a hard worker and became employed with Henderson State University as a maintenance worker and also worked in janitorial services. Upon his retirement there, he became employed with the Gurdon Public School system and performed those same duties until his retirement. That would be the last employment of his life. He enjoyed the grandchildren and often attended several of their functions. The journey of his life is full, blessed and enriched, was caught up in a moment of a twinkling of an eye on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at his residence. He had a very strong will, unmatched character, and very independent spirit as did his other siblings possessed. However, he left an indelible impression upon those he came in contact with. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, William Hatley, Christine Beard, K. T. Hatley, Rebecca Hatley, Jim Hatley, Erma Hatley Buford, Eugene Hatley, and Andy Hatley; daughters Barbara Severs and Lillian Hatley. He leaves a rich and strong legacy of love and memories to the mother of his children. Jerine Hatley, the children, Rev. Rufus R Hatley, Sr, Sheree Hendrix, Frederick (Lola) Hatley of Gurdon, AR, Vivian (Burl) Rhinehart of Benton, AR, Marsha (Jewel) Danner, Melvin Joe Hatley, Brad (Vanita) Hatley and Gerald Bernard Hatley of Gurdon, AR; one brother, Leonard Hatley of Chidester, AR. The legacy continues as he leaves 22 grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and the Mt. Canaan Church family.