Grayson Fitzgerald LaHatte

1994 - 2025

Augusta, GA – Beloved son, brother, and friend, Grayson Fitzgerald LaHatte, 31, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia, where he lived, from a pulmonary embolus.

Grayson was born June 11, 1994, in Augusta to Debbie and Larry LaHatte. From a young age, he delighted in time spent with family and friends, especially on trips to the beach, lake, and mountains, where he loved being outdoors with his younger siblings, Ben and Meghan. Whether playing soccer with his brother under his dad's coaching or dressing in costume for Harry Potter book releases with his mom and sister, Grayson brought enthusiasm and curiosity to everything he did. He cherished time with his many loving cousins, aunts, and uncles at family gatherings. Grayson dearly loved his family, but had a special bond with his mom. She was always his greatest cheerleader.

A gifted student, Grayson excelled academically, particularly in history, literature, politics, and geography. While attending Episcopal Day School, his National History Day paper, Poilu Rebellion: French Army Mutinies of WWII, earned second place in Georgia and national recognition in Washington D.C. His passion for history and politics remained a defining thread throughout his life.

Grayson attended Aquinas High School, where he explored a wide range of interests, including drama. He proudly performed the role of The Beadle in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, delivering his solo with confidence during multiple sold-out performances.

Following high school, Grayson attended Augusta University, majoring in Political Science. He joined the Delta Chi fraternity and cherished the close relationship his fraternity brothers shared with his family. On campus, he was fondly known for commuting by golf cart - affectionately dubbed the "Chi Cruiser."

Inspired by his interest in security and intelligence, Grayson went on to earn a Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies from AU and garnered the distinction of Phi Kappa Phi membership in the Masters program. Highly regarded by peers and faculty alike, he received the program's "Most Dedicated Student" award. This achievement led him to a fulfilling career as an analyst with the Department of Defense in Washington, DC, where he excelled professionally and built a strong community of colleagues and friends. He later aspired to earn a PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy at AU, hoping one day to become "Dr. LaHatte," like his dad.

Outside of work and academics, Grayson embraced a rich array of hobbies. He loved creating imaginative worlds during weekly Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder 2e games, watching fantasy and sci-fi favorites, reading history, spending time at the shooting range, and fostering cats at his Alexandria apartment.

Grayson will be remembered for his contagious laughter, sharp wit, and unwavering optimism. He had a rare ability to light up any room and was deeply admired by all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Dr. Lawrence James LaHatte and Debbie LaHatte; brother Benjamin (Lydia); sister Meghan; grandmother Francis Nevins; numerous cousins, and his beloved cat, Ugu. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Susan LaHatte and grandfathers Joseph Fitzgerald LaHatte and Warren Griffith Nevins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to a charity or animal shelter of your choosing in Grayson's honor.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Saint Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta, Georgia. A visitation will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com