Obituaries
Donald Edgar Hatley
( July 5, 1944 - September 18, 2023 )
Donald Edgar Hatley of Stanley, NC, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the age of 79. A native Charlottean, Don was born July 5, 1944 in Mecklenburg County to the late Prince Pearl Hatley and Ruby Thomas Hatley.
As a young man, Don achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a MP officer in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and then went on to earn a BS in electrical engineering from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. In 1994, he was inducted into the UNCC Alumni Hall of Fame. Don had a long and rewarding career with Duke Energy spanning over thirty years. Starting at Oconee Nuclear Station in 1971, he then moved to Cliffside Fossil Station to manage the construction contractors, and was involved with the sale of power rights to the Co Ops and municipalities at Catawba. He later became the chief lobbyist for Duke Energy until he retired in 2006 as Senior VP of Governmental Affairs.
Don had a life-time love affair with the game of golf beginning as a young boy when he worked as a caddy. He had the privilege of playing golf courses all over the world including Pinehurst, Augusta, Pebble Beach, and in the British Isles where in 1992, he had a hole-in-one at the Royal Troon Golf Club. His favorite golf course was Cowans Ford where he was a long-time member, former board president and ardent supporter. Last year at age 78, he was thrilled to shoot his age at his home course. Don was a model train enthusiast, a wood-worker, and a lover of word puzzles and Jeopardy.
A true gentleman, with his ready smile and quick humor, Don never met a stranger. Though young at heart, his moniker in the family was “the oldest rat in the barn.” He cherished his role as “Uncle Don” to his nieces and nephews, as well as to Cresie, his favorite dog, whom he loved to give treats and teach tricks.
Don is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Hatley of the home; stepson Tommy Oliver of Charlotte, NC; sister Patricia Hatley Coggins of Myrtle Beach, SC; in-laws John Sheridan, Helen and Roger Miller, Carmel West, Mary and Wayne Hontz, Leigh Englehart, Una and Mike Martone, many beloved nieces and nephews, and so many dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel in Lincolnton, NC, with the Rev. Morrie Lawing officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
As a young man, Don achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a MP officer in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and then went on to earn a BS in electrical engineering from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. In 1994, he was inducted into the UNCC Alumni Hall of Fame. Don had a long and rewarding career with Duke Energy spanning over thirty years. Starting at Oconee Nuclear Station in 1971, he then moved to Cliffside Fossil Station to manage the construction contractors, and was involved with the sale of power rights to the Co Ops and municipalities at Catawba. He later became the chief lobbyist for Duke Energy until he retired in 2006 as Senior VP of Governmental Affairs.
Don had a life-time love affair with the game of golf beginning as a young boy when he worked as a caddy. He had the privilege of playing golf courses all over the world including Pinehurst, Augusta, Pebble Beach, and in the British Isles where in 1992, he had a hole-in-one at the Royal Troon Golf Club. His favorite golf course was Cowans Ford where he was a long-time member, former board president and ardent supporter. Last year at age 78, he was thrilled to shoot his age at his home course. Don was a model train enthusiast, a wood-worker, and a lover of word puzzles and Jeopardy.
A true gentleman, with his ready smile and quick humor, Don never met a stranger. Though young at heart, his moniker in the family was “the oldest rat in the barn.” He cherished his role as “Uncle Don” to his nieces and nephews, as well as to Cresie, his favorite dog, whom he loved to give treats and teach tricks.
Don is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Hatley of the home; stepson Tommy Oliver of Charlotte, NC; sister Patricia Hatley Coggins of Myrtle Beach, SC; in-laws John Sheridan, Helen and Roger Miller, Carmel West, Mary and Wayne Hontz, Leigh Englehart, Una and Mike Martone, many beloved nieces and nephews, and so many dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel in Lincolnton, NC, with the Rev. Morrie Lawing officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Posted on 18 Sep 2023
Current Information
Contact
125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521