William Hatley

William Steven Hatley, September 11th, 1964 – October 28th, 2024.
Affectionately known to friends and family as Steve/Liam Aitche, was born on September 11th, 1964, to the late Reverend Rex and Evelyn Hatley in Washington DC. He left behind a legacy of music, love and strength when he passed away on the morning of October 28th, 2024 at 4:20 am, at the age of 60 in his beloved community of Ossineke.
A proud veteran, he served honorably in the United States Army, as an Airborne Ranger/Combat Medic, understanding the value of service and sacrifice. This quiet dignity carried through to every aspect of his life. His last duty station was at Fort Ord, living in Monterey Bay.
Steve was someone who time and again showed us that love sometimes speaks the loudest in silence. He was also fond of telling us, ''sometimes love ain't all warm and fuzzy''.
Steve was an accomplished guitar player who impacted the lives of many alongside of his wife Brenda, playing for many years with the Alpena Street Performers, at countless local churches, bars and festivals such as The Hootenanny, as well as starting up an Open-Mic night at The Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in what came to be his hometown of Ossineke, MI. He took great joy pouring into local musicians and the 989 music scene. Aside from his family, it was his greatest passion.
He was an avid grower of all things green and in typical Steve-fashion, he left this world at 4:20 am.
Steve was known for his dry/dark sense of humor, and he would want to leave us with this last piece of advice; ''please everyone, NO UNNECESSARY HOMICIDES''!
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Rex and Evelyn Hatley, his 3 ½ year old son, Danny and mother-in-law, Marva Ziesman, and his service dog, Allie.
Steve is survived by his wife, Brenda Hatley, his son and ''daughter in love'', Marc and Tiffany Simmons, his daughter Maddie and son Kevin, his grandchildren Will, Grace, Faith, David and Hope, as well as a ''bonus son'' and daughter in law, Bryan and Dana Ratz and 8 bonus grandchildren who all called him grandpa Steve; Benjamin, Rebecca, Sarah, Ada, Mary, Victor, Oran and his namesake; Kai Liam Ratz, and his beloved companion, Starr. Steve also leaves many dear, cherished friends and fellow musicians who meant the world to him.
According to Steve's wishes, he went out with his boots on. There will be a memorial gathering for friends and family to come together to share stories and music on Saturday, November 9, 2024, 6:00 PM until closing at The Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill, 2030 E. Nicholson Hill Road, Ossineke, MI. May his legacy of kindness and strength live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. McWilliams Funeral Home has assisted the family.