A longtime business leader in this region, Ben was the Principal of Coal Strategies LLC and also served as an Independent Director on the Boards of Foresight Energy LP and Minerals Refining Company. Ben had served in senior executive positions for more than 20 years at Massey Energy, then was CEO of International Coal Group and later CEO of Patriot Coal. He was a Virginia Tech alumnus, graduating cum laude in 1979 with a B.S. in Mining Engineering. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Virginia Tech Mining and Minerals Engineering Department in 1999. In 2015, Ben was named to the Academy of Engineering Excellence by the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. Ben was a registered professional engineer, a third-generation coal miner, and served for many years on the board of the West Virginia Coal Association.

Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Starr Hatfield, and his father, the Rev. Sonny A. Hatfield.

Survivors include his mother, Nola Phillips Hatfield of Inez, Ky.; daughters: Ashley Kay (Watson) Stelly of Richmond, Va., and Lauren Nicole Hatfield of Arlington, Va.; and son, Michael Shawn Lee of Louisville, Ky. Also surviving are brothers: Ronald (Naomi) Hatfield of Logan, W.Va., Stephen (Mary) Hatfield of Charleston, and Dennis (Trish) Hatfield of Louisa, Ky.; sisters: Roma Marcum of Inez, Ky., and Pat (Bill) Keck of Huntington, W.Va.; and a cherished honorary family member Yufei Wu (David) Albizzati, now of Edinburgh, Scotland. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who all loved their Uncle B. dearly.

Ben's favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He went to great lengths to plan yearly family reunions together. He was a benefactor to many special causes and charitable events, many done anonymously. Ben attended the River Ridge Church, and he and his wife, Debbie, were strong supporters of the Ambassador Christian Academy at Williamson, WV.

The family will receive friends at River Ridge Church, 2090 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, from 5-8 p.m. Saturday. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Regional Church of God at Delbarton, W.Va., with the Rev. Mitchell Bias officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. View Memory Gardens at Maher, W.Va.

Active pallbearers will include Michael Castle, Roger Nicholson, Charles Snavely, Eugene Kitts, Mike Hardesty, Ray Marcum, Brad Hatfield, and Jeremy Hatfield.

Honorary pallbearers include Howard M. Persinger, Baxter Phillips, Kevin Crutchfield, Bobby Webb, Sam Kitts, and Aaron Ray Hatfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ambassador Christian Academy, 701 Alderson Street, Williamson, WV 25661.

You may express online condolences at www.weavermortuaryinc.com.

Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson, W.Va., is serving the Hatfield family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Williamson Daily News from May 26 to May 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bennett Hatfield

70 Entries

Argina Layne

May 20, 2021

Debbie and Ben began dating about the same time that me and my husband were and we always laughed and compared notes about who would be married first. We were blessed to be at their lovely wedding, as Deb was a close friend to my entire family. What an amazing family (I worked with Dennis at WCC and my hubby at Marrowbone with Ben). My heart goes out to their beautiful children, as nothing could have prepared them for such tragedy. May the knowledge that they are together again, somehow bring a smile of peace to your hearts! Argina & Julius Layne

Stanley Smith

May 21, 2020

Taken away too soon. Stanley & I absolutely loved, respected and enjoyed our time with him when working at Massey. Thinking of his wife Debbie as well today. RIP

June 3, 2016

The Wilson family sends their deepest condolences to Ben's family and girls.
Ashley Kay and Lauren, our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time.
We are very pleased to be able to contribute to the Academy. My Mom, Phyllis Moricle, lives on Logan Street, close to the school. I often see the children and know the school will become a fitting tribute to your father's memory.
We have many fond memories of your Mom and Dad and happy times on our Massey Coal trips. Your Dad was always kind and enjoyable to be around and always greeted me with a big smile.
Thinking of you, Jeff and Pam Wilson

Kim Hatfield agemy

June 1, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with the family
Kim Hatfield-Ageny
Grandaughter of burl Hatfield

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June 1, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Russ Hatfield family. (Grandson of Burl Hatfield)

Deanna Hartsog

May 31, 2016

To Ashley and Laura,
We so enjoyed getting to know you both and your father at the Greenbrier in 2014. We are deeply sorry for your grief. Please let us know if we can do anything to help you through.
You're in our prayers,
Deanna & Matt Hartsog

Warren Stevens

May 30, 2016

I was always impressed with Mr. Hatfield. Along with another pilot I had the pleasure of flying Ben Hatfield for a few years. He always made it a point to greet me as he would board and exit the airplane. Not everyone does that, but Ben Hatfield always did it in a deliberate and very kind manner. He was a true gentleman. He was always considerate of other peoples time. If he told us he would be there at 9:00am, I could count on seeing him at 8:50. I called him Mr. Hatfield and after a few times of that he ask me to call him Ben. Having not seen Ben for several months I ran into him at the Charleston airport on the Wednesday before he passed and true to his form he stopped to say hello and asked how I was doing. A truly fine man and a great loss.

May 30, 2016

To Dennis, I am sure you are heart broken at the loss of your brother, I will be praying for a healing for uyou and your family. Art Simpkins.

Alison Bell

May 29, 2016

I met Mr. Hatfield several times and was always greatly impressed by his gentle, modest, loving disposition, as well as his generosity and kindness toward his family and many others. I hope his children and other family members know that they're surrounded by love, good thoughts, and prayers.

Theresa Baker

May 29, 2016

Thinking of u and ur family, we love u Wanda and Theresa

Jimmy Davis

May 29, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with this
Wonderful family .whom we have known
For many years

Jimmy and Jean Davis
Lexington Ky

Michael Smith

May 29, 2016

Out loss is heaven's gain. We don't know God's plan or why tragedies like these happen the way they do, but our prayers go out for Dennis and all the wonderful family left behind. Ben gave me as an employee at Rawl Sales the opportunity to return to school to continue to persue my engineering degree at a dark time when my future was bleak due to physical constraints. I'll never forget Ben and this family and I am forever grateful for this gift. May God bring you peace in you darkest hours.

CW. Hatfield

May 28, 2016

We are praying for all the family,that is all we can do, we are so very sorry we can't be with you! CW. and Sue Hatfield...

May 28, 2016

GOD said for I know the plans I have for you. We may not know the plan or really like it but GOD is in control and it will all work out. We love ya'll and are here for you if you need us. Jamie, Penny, Hunter, Hannah and Haylea Darby

Rosa Hatfield

May 28, 2016

From the Chester Hatfield family. So sorry. We are praying for you all. Love you

Julius & Argina Layne

May 28, 2016

There are no words to describe the senselessness of the loss of life of such a good man, Father, Son, Brother, co-worker.... Another of our Marrowbone/Wolf Creek Collieries comrades has gone on now and all we can do is offer our deepest condolences to his grieving family. Dennis, Stephen, his precious children, his dearest Mother, Sisters and Brothers, please know that we grieve for you and with you.........

May 28, 2016

Deepest sympathy to Bens family. He was a great leader and a great person. I was honored to have worked for him. He treated me and my family well. Brownie and Carol Stuart

May 28, 2016

Simply the most tragic and unnecessary death that I have ever heard of. A great man that will be missed by MANY.

Karen Cobb

May 28, 2016

I had the pleasure of working for Ben at ICG as well as Patriot. While working and being around him I found that he was a very private, hardworking,man who thought a lot of his coworkers and family.When he would share personal moments In his life I grew to respect him even more. Love and prayers to his family.

May 28, 2016

Praying for the Hatfield Family. May God give each of you peace and strength in your time of need! Doris Crews Preece

Joe & Valasha Sweetnich

May 28, 2016

A good man leaves us much too soon. The Lord welcomes one of his. Our deepest sympathy to close friends and family. May God Bless you all during this time.

debbie hughes-white

May 28, 2016

so sorry for your loss...praying for the family...remember benny well...

Robyn Bumgardner

May 27, 2016

Holding on to fond memories of Ben during the early years of his career and heartbroken for his family. By all accounts, he lived the values of an existential manager ... and each one there, had one thing shared, they have swayed beneath the same sun, looked up in wonder at the same moon,and wept when it was all done, for being done too soon.

Annie Hammond

May 27, 2016

May the family find comfort in the coming days to this senseless tragic death. I have such fond memories of Bennie at Wolf Creek Collieries. He will be missed by many. R. I. P.

Shannon Gran

May 27, 2016

Keeping the family in our prayers. My heart breaks for you all. If you ever need anything please let us know. -Workman RIP Ben

Geneva France Burton Coleman

May 27, 2016

To Trish and Denny, Sarah, Aaron and the entire Hatfield family-- words cannot adequately express the depth of our thoughts, prayers, and condolences at this sudden and tragic loss. May God grant you comfort in this most difficult time and in the days to come. I know there is little anyone can do except pray, but should you need anything, please know we are here. Love, Geneva, Mike Coleman, and Sam Burton.

Mark Yates

May 27, 2016

I'm very sorry to hear of this tragedy and loss to the Hatfield family.May God comfort and give strength to the family in the days ahead.

May 27, 2016

So heartbroken...My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hatfield family

Sharon Nelson Blackburn
Turkey Creek, KY

GaryYoung

May 27, 2016

A good man taken away much too soon.

Marvi Snavely-Rosen

May 27, 2016

I'm so incredibly sad and sorry that such a tragic event had to happen to such a fine man. He truly had a kind and loving heart and is reaping his rewards right now with our Heavenly Father. He is gone way too soon but his legacy will live on. Ben hired my brother to work at Rawl Sales many years ago when my brother was a student trying to make his way through college. He spoke fondly of him last evening as we were talking. My prayers are with everyone who is feeling the hurt and loss, but especially his mother and his children. Praying for God to give you the peace only He can give.

Steve R. Gooslin

May 27, 2016

Ben RIP my friend ! I am Praying for your Family and Friends.

Lisa Stewart

May 27, 2016

May all of you in time find peace with this tragedy. So very sorry.

May 27, 2016

So sorry for your loss..our thoughts and prayers are with u guys..May God wrap His loving arms around u all and give u strength and comfort...we love u all...May God bless... the Blackburn family ..Darwin, Sheri and Travis

Bob & Anita Martin

May 27, 2016

We always thought very highly of Ben and his caring ways.. We truly share the grief of your family for such a loss.

Rose James

May 27, 2016

SO SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY. A WONDERFUL LOVING KIND PERSON, WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. WENT TO CHURCH FOR YEARS WITH HIM AND FAMILY. .

Bob & Anita Martin

May 27, 2016

We always thought very highly of Ben and his caring ways. We truly share the grief of your family for such a loss.

May 27, 2016

KEN AND SANDY DAMRON

Robin Casto

May 27, 2016

Dr. Skeens you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

May 27, 2016

My condolences to the Hatfield family, especially to Dennis and Steve. Just a shame in every way.

May 27, 2016

I DON'T EVEN KNOW THIS MAN BUT MY HEART BREAKS FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SUCH A TRAGEDY.

Ernie Dials

May 27, 2016

Sorry for the loss of a very good friend and co worker, Prayers of comfort and peace now and days to come... God Bless

Rita Hatfield

May 27, 2016

Ben was a compassionate, caring man who loved his family and friends . I only heard good, kind comments about him. He cared about the people who worked with him and had their best interest at heart. I am praying peace for you.. May you overcome this tragic death with a renewed confidence in knowing that he is with his Savior, Jesus Christ, Debbie, his dad and others who were waiting on him, and one day you can join him in his heavenly home. Love and prayers, Rita Hatfield

Sheila Preece

May 27, 2016

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of one of my classmates....I always thought so much
of the Hatfields...prayers for the family...

Lea Ruble Hoffman

May 27, 2016

Prayers for all through this tragedy.

Bob and Charlene Williams

May 27, 2016

So sorry, Dennie.

May 27, 2016

So very tragic. He was a fine man. Sending love and prayers for all.
Rachel (Phillips) and Randy Thacker
I am Millard and Mary Ann Phillips' daughter.

Pamela Hatfield

May 27, 2016

I know Ben you'll be with Uncle Sonny ans Daddy more importantly you're with Our Savior many prayers for the family all have are memories but someday our family circle will be joined again in God's kingdom may you rest in peace until then Pamela Hatfield Chapmanville wv

May 27, 2016

Michael, Ashley, and Lauren so sorry to hear of the news about Ben, it was a total shock. Your family was always like a second family to my family. Keeping Gods loving arms around about you all. Love.

Clarence McCoy
Charleston, WV

Robert Aliff

May 27, 2016

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of this good and honorable man. May he rest in peace.

David and Susan West

May 27, 2016

We are so deeply sorry for your loss, this was very tragic and heartbreaking, praying for comfort at this time for all of his family , may you have peace and comfort that only God can give.

May 27, 2016

My heart is broken for this wonderful family, prayers for comfort and grace for the family. Love you all

Lynn Roberts

May 27, 2016

Praying the family finds peace and comfort during these dark days. Hold onto each other and the memories.

May 27, 2016

Prayers for the family Rip Ben you are in a land where no heartache or pain or worries we don't understand why this had to happen only God above knows love all the Hatfield family love andPrayers Joann

Rick & Julie Hensley

May 26, 2016

I worked closely with Ben at Rawl Sales for several years, he was respectful, open-minded, very estout at his profession, he was very dignified & goal oriented, no one cared more about the well being of all those under his watch, he will be missed, this is such a loss, Julie & Rick's prayers are extended to his entire family, friends and contempories, deeply bothered by this heinous useless waste of a precious life and may God bless the family, and a special sympathy extended to Mr Dennis Hatfield

June Jude

May 26, 2016

My heart and prayers to his family and friends. He was such a generous and kind man.
June Jude, (RCOG) Williamson WV

May 26, 2016

So heart breaking to hear this .He was a great man a great friend a person whom could be trusted .He is already greatly missed.May God give each of the Hatfield family peace.He left us all too soon.Judy Bailey Simpkins
Bailey Simpkins

Vicki Murphy

May 26, 2016

I am an old family friend and remember "the twins" as young children. I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Know that you are all in my thoughts and have been for years. Love to you all,

Terry and Tammy Mahon

May 26, 2016

The manner of Mr Hatfields passing is such a sad story.A husband trying to pay his respect and show his love to his wife and deceased family.So very sad.May you be comforted by the love and prayers so many people are sending .We are sure Mr Hatfield is in the loving arms of the Lord.

Sabrina And Steve May

May 26, 2016

Prayers for comfort and strength in this time of great sorrow for the Hatfield family.

Eugene Hatfield

May 26, 2016

As a member of Hatfield family His grandfather John B Hatfield was my fathers brother ( Basil of Belfry) To Dennis and family our thought,s and prayers are with you .
Eugene Hatfield (Morristown Tenn)

Raymond Price

May 26, 2016

My Prayers go out to the Hatfield Family I'm so sorry may you find comfort in the Lord

Kathy and Danny Carpenter

May 26, 2016

May heart breaks for all the Hatfield family.My daughter became a Hatfield almost a year ago and all of you welcomed her with open arms.My thoughts and prayers will be with you for the days ahead.

Henry Vinson

May 26, 2016

I am sorry to hear about Ben. He was a great friend. My heartfelt condolences to all.

Henry Vinson

Anna Mae Sartin Wellman

May 26, 2016

MY God be with this family at this saddened time.

Kim Keesee Maynard

May 26, 2016

May God comfort his family in this time. So sorry to hear this about Ben . I spent 2 years with Debbie when Ashley and my daughter Erin was in Jack and Jill pre school and loved her dearly . Got to spend outings with them when Ben and my husband worked for Massey. They both were wonderful dear people. This is such a tragic loss. I pray that God gives the family strength to get through today and the days ahead.

Stanley Smith

May 26, 2016

Many happy memories of Ben and his lovely wife Debbie and their children. I was a pilot for Massey coal and I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed Ben and Debbie and their family thruought my time in the company. Many blessings to their children and comfort in knowing what an honorable man their Dad is.

cliff Fugitt

May 26, 2016

I worked for many years with Ben at Sprouse Creek Processing. He was one of the finest men I have ever met and will be missed by all.

Theresa Yates

May 26, 2016

So sorry to hear this about Ben, may
you find comfort and strength in the Lord. Prayers for the Family.

Curt and Bonnie Hatfield

May 26, 2016

May God comfort and be with the
family in this time of Sorrow.
So sorry for your loss.

Curt and Bonnie Hatfield ( LaPorte,Indiana)

Michael

May 26, 2016

May you rest in Peace Mr. Hatfield, and may God Love and Surround your Family in their Time of Grief.