James Lee Hatley

  James Lee Hatley was born in Hardin County, on October 10, 1943, to the late Jim Aredell Hatley and Dora Lee Gray Hatley. 

 He attended Walker Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in 1963. He served his country in the US Army from 1964 to 1967. He then moved to Texas where he worked in attic insulation and was also an OTR truck driver for North American Van Lines. Jimmy returned to Hardin County in 1981. On May 15, 1982, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Hunt, who preceded him in death on January 19, 2011.

 On his return to Hardin County, he worked 10 - 15 years for Baldy Smith stocking factory vending machines and sometimes at the store Super Mini. Later he was employed at Aqua Glass for 18 years as a yardspotter on the graveyard shift.

 In his leisure time he enjoyed riding his four-wheeler around the neighborhood. Often he would take a ride in the woods enjoying the beauty of nature. He lived a long life - "been there - done that." One could write a book with all he has seen and experienced in his lifetime. You could always go to him for wisdom and advice. In whatever situation he would give you his opinion and tell you the right thing to do.

 Jimmy led a simple life and was of Baptist belief. The memories he left we will cherish forever. 

 Jimmy departed this life on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 3 days.

 He loved the presence of his grandchildren - especially Laklyn and Everly.

 He is survived by 2 daughters: Carol Ann Hatley Bullock of Cumby, Texas, Debbie Forsythe of Selmer, TN; one son, Steve Hunt of Savannah, TN; grandchildren: Alyssa Garza and husband Justin of Olney, Texas, Colton Bullock of Crumby, Texas, Joshua Forsythe and wife Jada, Casey Forsythe and girlfriend Stephanie, Whitney Walls and husband Matt, Ryan Davis, Hannah Pierson and husband Daniel, Steven Hunt, Justin Hunt and wife Kellie, Haley Gilley and husband Joe, Samantha Jones and Kelsey Jones; great grandchildren: Elijah Forsythe, Ezra Forsythe, Elizabeth Forsythe, Hunter Walls, Laklyn Hunt, Everly Hunt, Roan Gilley, Olivia Gilley, and Avery Garza; and one sister, Peg Cotner and husband Johnny.

 In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Jones, daughter-in-law, Sherry Hunt, son-in-law, David Forsythe, brother, Roberty Hatley, nephew, Jeffrey Hatley, and great granddaughter, Mary Avalynn Hunt.

 Obituary written by Peggy Cotner