Thomas Lee Hatchett

Thomas Lee Hatchett Clarksdale, MS.
Thomas Lee Hatchett, lovingly known as "Pops" and "Mr. T," went to be with the Lord, passing peacefully surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man whose life was marked by service, generosity, and quiet strength.
He was the only child born to J.T. Hatchett and Lorraine Berryhill Hatchett on July 11, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Clarksdale High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956.
While at Mississippi State, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served as president during the final semester of his senior year. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through ROTC at MSU. He served three years on active duty, including time stationed in Japan, and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. He later achieved the rank of Captain in the inactive reserves.
Mr. Hatchett retired after 31 years as office Manager of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, where he was respected for his leadership and dedication.
He was married for 60 years to the love of his life, Beverly Meek Hatchett, whose partnership and devotion defined their marriage. He is survived by his daughter, Meg Hatchett Murphey, and her late husband, Ken Murphey; his son, Jay Hatchett of Memphis, Tennessee; and his beloved granddaughter, Kate Murphey Seibert (Von) of Clarksdale, Mississippi.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Hatchett; and his son-in-law, Ken Murphey.
Pops had a generous heart and believed deeply in giving back. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the ASPCA, local animal shelters, or any other charitable organization meaningful to the donor, as a reflection of the numerous causes he supported throughout his life.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Though he will be deeply missed, the family finds peace knowing that he is now at rest in the presence of the Lord, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.