Matthew Arnold Hatley

Matthew Arnold Hatley, 36, of Concord, passed away May 4, 2024, in Hickory, NC.

Matthew was born January 16, 1988 in Concord, North Carolina to John Hampton Hatley and Alisa Helms Hatley.

He was also preceded in death by  his grandparents Arnold and Willie Hatley, Olin “Mutt” Helms, Betty Stallings and Leola Smith. 

Matthew had a personality that would light up the darkest room. His smile was as bright and vibrant as the morning sunrise, only to be over shadowed by the mysterious twinkle in his blue eyes.  Matt was just a cool dude, the slight tilt to his hat paired with a sweet leather jacket drew your attention as soon as he entered the room. His charismatic smile made you want to spend hours talking with him, never missing an opportunity to collect something, Matt used those talks with others to collect another friend. 

He was devoted to the recovery of himself and of others. Matthew excelled at sharing his testimony, using it to help inspire others to invest in their own recovery. His untimely passing will be felt not only by his family but also in the recovery communities of Concord, Kannapolis, Hickory, and the surrounding areas. 

Matthew had a true passion for old cars. He fell in love with the Datsun 280 ZX and owned multiple ones in his short life. To honor his passion for his beloved Z-car, Matthew will take his last ride to his final resting place in his last Z-car. We encourage everyone to bring their favorite/old car to join us on his final ride. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Hartsell Funeral of Concord. The funeral service honoring Matthew will be on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral of Concord and will be officiated by Pastors Tim Yates and Cory Alley. A graveside service will immediately follow at Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis at Hwy. 29N at I85, Exit 58, Concord.

Survivors include parents, John and Alisa Hatley, siblings  Laura and Craig Freeman, John and Jessica Hatley and Whitney Hatley-Martinez. Nieces include Peyton, Jordan, Kinslee, Reagan, Eden and Violet. 

Memorials may be made to the organization that changed Matt’s life: Oxford House Riverwalk, Hickory, NC. Contributions to Oxford House Rehabilitation Housing will enable Matt’s legacy to continue by providing recovering addicts safe and affordable housing while they transition into the next step in their recovery story.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Oxford House, Inc. Attn. Chapter 16 Hickory, NC.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Hatley family.