Al Hatcher

AL HATCHER
Robert Alvin Hatcher of Columbus completed his earthly journey on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Collegeview Personal Care Home. Al was born in Greenville, MS, on Sept. 19, 1933, to Leonard and Virginia Moore Hatcher. He was the younger of two sons, his brother being John Leslie “Jack” Hatcher. Survivors are his wife of 65 years, Sue; son Chip (Melinda), daughter Ginny Butler (Joel), son Tom (Laurie); grandchildren Marshall Hatcher, Joe Butler, Katie Hatcher, Robert Hatcher, Meg Butler, Tom Hatcher, Jr, and Russell Hatcher; great-grandchildren Robert A. “Trip” Hatcher, III, and Amelia Shaw Hatcher; and brother-in-law, Tom Moore, Jr. (Lee Anne). Al grew up in Scott, MS, graduated as salutatorian from Benoit High School, was a band member and football player for the Benoit High Broncos, and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. At Ole Miss he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and Navy ROTC. He served two years in the Navy and deployed aboard the carrier U.S.S. Intrepid on two Mediterranean cruises. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant JG. He married Barbara Sue Moore in 1957 at the Benoit Union Church.
Al began his career in the insurance industry as an adjuster with Crawford and Co.in Baton Rouge, LA. He and Sue transferred to Columbus in 1963. Not long afterward he took a job with McCarty Insurance Agency, and in 1970 he was assigned to an agency with State Farm Insurance. A dedicated professional, Al enjoyed his work and the friendship of fellow agents. He retired from State Farm on December 31, 1999.
A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, Al spent his life in service to the Lord and believed that it should be everyone’s responsibility – whether through financial giving or the giving of one’s time and talents – to honor God and have a positive impact on the world in which we live. Throughout his adult life Al was actively involved in church and community, often in a leadership role. He served Columbus as: member of the Biracial Committee for the Columbus Municipal School District during public school integration, Chairman of the Board of the Civil Service Commission for 15 years, member and president of the Magnolia Kiwanis Club, Dixie Youth Baseball coach, advisor and director of the Columbus District of the Boy Scouts of America, and deacon and ruling elder in First Presbyterian Church, also serving as youth leader, Sunday school teacher, tenor in the church choir, and member and moderator of several committees in his local church and St. Andrew presbytery. Al started each workday for the last 25 or so years of his career and retirement having coffee with friends and business associates and solving the world’s problems with them. Al loved seeing his grandchildren become fine young adults, and he always looked forward to beach time with family and friends. Watching sports, playing tennis, interacting with people, and supporting local philanthropic endeavors were special pastimes. Special appreciation from Al’s family is extended to Collegeview Personal Care, Baptist Hospice, and Southern Hearts Homecare Agency.
Arrangements are conducted by Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at First Presbyterian Church, with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 2:00 p.m.
Because Al was a devoted man of faith and active member of First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 9681, Columbus, MS, 39705, those who wish to do so may designate contributions to the church in his memory or to the philanthropy of one’s choice. A wonderful tribute to Al would be the occurrence of numerous “Random Acts of Kindness.”