Published: May 13, 2008 07:54 am            

George Hatfield

One of McCreary County's most admired and distinguished citizens passed away May 11, 2008, in Somerset. George W. Hatfield, Jr., "Tweedy", World War II veteran, attorney, former County Attorney, retired businessman and teacher, was 85 years old when he died Sunday, with his daughters at his side.

Mr. Hatfield was born March 1, 1923, in Whitley City, to the late George W. and Nora Lewis Hatfield. He was only 16 when he graduated from McCreary County High School. He then attended and graduated from Cumberland College. Mr. Hatfield taught at the Nevelsville School before joining the United States Navy during World War II. While serving in the Navy, he attended Cornell University. He was discharged from the Navy in 1945, a level specialist A, First Class. Mr. Hatfield earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky, before graduating with distinction from the university's College of Law School as a Juris Doctor. He was a member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi, a member of the Kentucky Law Journal, an appointment for those in the academic upper 10 percent of the university, and a member of The Order of the Coif, for high attainments in the study of law. Mr. Hatfield was admitted to the Bar in 1949, and began practicing law with his Dad, George W. Hatfield, Sr., in his Whitley City law practice. Donna Ross began working for Mr. Hatfield in 1957, where she is still employed today. Mr. Hatfield mentored Tim Lavender, and in the Fall of 1976, they began the Hatfield-Lavender Law Office. He was elected to the Office of County Attorney for McCreary County five terms between 1966 and 1989. During his tenure as County Attorney, Mr. Hatfield served as lawyer to the McCreary Water District, of which he was on the ground floor of establishing. He played an important part in the Courthouse Annex and in the construction of the new jail.

Mr. Hatfield was widely known for his willingness to serve the needy of his community. He was known to take payment for services in a trade or barter, when a clients funds may not have been available. His fairness in and out of the courtroom was admired by all who knew him. Beyond all his distinctions and awards, he was very proud and honored to serve the people of McCreary County.

Preceding Mr. Hatfield in death are his parents; his brothers, Robert L. Hatfield and Roland Hatfield; and his sister, Grace Hatfield Jones.

Mr. Hatfield is survived by his daughters, JoJo (and Brad) Stephens, Page Hatfield Bryant, Sebrena (and Johnny) Ball, all of Whitley City, and Pam Wood, of Palm City, Florida; his sister, Betty K. Hatfield, of Whitley City; his grandchildren, George Riley, Casey, Josie Bette and Bradley Stephens, Bryson Bryant, Amber Ball and Travis Kidd, and Lori Markut and Stuart and Matthew Wood; his six great-grandchildren; his former wife, Faye Hatfield, with whom he remained a close friend and companion; a special friend, Rena Stephens, who he thought of as family; and a host of colleagues and friends, who as well, will mourn his passing.

Following his own wishes, there will be no funeral services for Mr. George W. Hatfield, Jr., known to all as “Tweedy.” His burial will be in the Holloway Cemetery, of Whitley City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Educational Scholarship Fund in Memory of Mr. Hatfield, set up at the Bank of McCreary County. Condolences or special memories may be expressed and shared at pbryant@highland.net or to PO Box 184, Marshes Siding, KY 42631.

Obituary courtesy of Somerset Undertaking Co.

        

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