Ellis Hatcher, Jr. Jr.

Ellis "Hatch" Hatcher, Jr., 89, of Matthews, NC, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on August 18, 1935, in Rockingham, NC, he was the son of the late Ellis Hatcher and Sallie Mae Griffin.

After graduating Rockingham High School, Ellis went on to serve his country in the Army National Guard for eight years, including six years of active duty. He married the love of his life, Beth Whitley Hatcher, and together they would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on September 2, 2025. They made their home in Charlotte and later Matthews, where they lived for the past 60 years.

Ellis worked for Duke Power Company for 37 years, beginning as a meter reader and rising through the ranks to become a supervisor. His work ethic and quiet leadership earned him the respect of many.

An avid sportsman, Ellis very much enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was always planning his next fishing trip and was never more at home than at his beloved Outer Banks of North Carolina. He was also an enthusiastic gardener with a green thumb who kept the family well supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables and his yard with flowers and trees. He was also a diehard NASCAR fan. He was known for his kindness, his gentle nature and his willingness to chip in and share his talent for knowing how things worked. He could fix anything, grow anything, build anything, power anything. But above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a man of few words, but was always ready with a smile and a hug. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife Beth Whitley Hatcher, and their daughters: Teri Hatcher Bucholtz and husband Jim, Lisa Watkins Thornton and husband Charles, and Wendy Hatcher Rebadow and husband Mark. He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Kevin, Emily, Allison, Daria, Joel, Megan, Matthew, and Lauren and seven great-grandchildren: Caleb, Norah, Owen, Emma, Addison, Eleanor and John, and a brother Dalton Hatcher.

Ellis was preceded in death by six siblings: Hazel, Corinna, Stan, Easter, Hester, and Nina.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with the celebration of life immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home – Weddington Chapel. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.heritagecares.com