Joe B. Hatcher

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
801 8th Avenue
Conway, AR  72032
Monday, June 4, 2012
6:30-8:00pm
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Greene Chapel, Hendrix College
1600 Washington Avenue
Conway, AR  72032
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
10:00am
Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery
329 Bruce St.
Conway, AR  72032
Joe B. Hatcher

of Conway, AR

July 28, 1936 - June 1, 2012

Former Hendrix College President and P.A. Headmaster Dies at 75
 
Joe Branch Hatcher was born on July 28, 1936, died at the age of 75 on June 1, 2012.  Joe grew up in Fort Worth, Texas before moving to Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, and finally residing in Arkansas when he came to Conway to become the President of Hendrix College in 1981.  He served as the President of Hendrix College from 1981 to 1991 and then went to work for First Commercial Bank as a Vice Chairman.  In his last years he served as the Headmaster at Pulaski Academy on an interim basis on two different occasions.  In between that time he was a consultant for colleges and for placement companies finding college executives.  He also worked for Fred Huston Consulting. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irma Gail Hatcher, his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lee Hatcher, his son Geoff Hatcher, his daughter and son-in-law Gailyn and Rob Strobing, Tammy and Bryon Childress, and his six grandchildren, Kelsey, Haley, Larkin, Layne, and Mattie Hatcher, Lindley Childress, and his dog, Rudy. 
 
Dr. Hatcher graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor's Degree in English; he received his Master's Degree and his Doctorate from Kansas University in English in 1969.  Following graduation he went to work at Baker University as an English Professor where he was promoted to the Chairman of the English Department and then went to Park College in Parkville, Missouri where he became the Vice President of Development, he later moved to Albion College in Albion, Michigan where he was the Vice President of Development before moving to Conway, Arkansas to become the President at Hendrix College in 1981.
 
Dr. Hatcher was very involved in the community serving on numerous boards and charities.  He was very active in the community serving as Chairman of CARTI, The Arthritis Foundation, President of the Conway Chamber of Commerce, the First Commercial Bank Board, the UCA Foundation Board, he Chaired two book clubs, and also served on the Conway Hospice Committee. What he loved most was watching his grandchildren play sports, reading his books, and he particularly enjoyed his two book clubs he regularly attended.  In his younger years he was very active as a runner, tennis player, and did have a very competitive spirit which he passed on to his kids and grandkids.  His family most of all remembers him as an extremely intelligent, very kind and gentle person who was always there not as the center of attention, but with a dry, witty, and sarcastic sense of humor.  He was also the number #1 sports fan for his grandkids attending all of their Mighty Bluebirds, Pulaski Academy, and Central Arkansas Christian sporting events.  He will be greatly missed by his family and the community.
 
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Greene Chapel located on the campus of Hendrix College. With burial to follow at Oak Gove Cemetery in Conway.
Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 pm Monday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hendrix College.
Online guest book can be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Sign Guestbook

54 Condolence(s)
Lester B. Hatcher
Longmont, CO
Liked
Friday, December 28, 2012

I've only just learned of Joe Branch's death today, 12/28/2012. I have many, many menories of Joe Branch as I was a young child: He was my sister's favorite, Bettyeann )Hatcher) White, and I always loved family get-to-gethers with Uncle Joe, Aunt Jesse and Joe Branch. They were all wonderful to a little boy, thirteen years Joe Branch's junior, and I grieve for his loss for myself, and on behalf of my deceased sister.

RAY WHITE
LITTLE ROCK, AR, AR
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Friday, June 8, 2012

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?
-- Robt. Frost, who Joe helped me to appreciate

The Janton Family
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Dear Greg and family,

We are so saddened by your loss. What a sweet, sweet man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Sutterfield
Maumelle, AR
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Dear Family,
While I did not know Joe for many years. He certainly impacted my life. Briefly while serving as a head hunter for Subiaco, Joe contacted me while I was at Little Rock Christian. I told him I did not want to move from Maumelle nor was I Catholic and I would not be interested, thanks but no thanks. A few days later he called again and said ... just come talk to me... the rest is history. I did not move and am not Catholic but I was still yet privileged to serve at Subiaco for over four wonderful years which I count as a great blessing. Thanks to Joe! You each have much to be grateful for in your heritage. Blessings!

Milo and Ann Shult
Doss, TX
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Dear Irma Gail and Family,
Both Ann and I were saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Joe and I had a unique and special relationship. We never really had the chance to become close friends yet I never had a single convesation with him that I didn't admire and respect him. You could always tell that he truly was interested in and cared about others.
We believe that the important thing is to remember that we are really celebrating Joe's birthday in Heaven. I'm sure God has a big crowd of folks who feel the same way about Joe that I do.
Milo and Ann

Jayme Thomas
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Liked
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Jim Johnson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Greg: In speaking with you a few weeks ago about you father's illness, it was evident the positive impact he has had on your life and the members of your family. As I read the comments from others in this guestbook, you should take comfort in knowing your Dad lived life to the fullest and was respected and loved by many. Please accept our deepest sympathy from all of us at Delta Dental for your loss.

Michelle Ward
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Dr. Hatcher touched the lives of so many people with his kind smile and warm heart. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Lisa, Bruce & Sarah Johnson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Sorry for your loss.
Only great memories for a great man!
He will me missed.
The Johnson Family

Mike Cumnock
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

What a kind and gentle man. I was one of those who was on the receiving end of Joe's wisdom and grace. He nurtured me through the beginning stages of being in non-profit mangement. Soft spoken and armed with tremendous knowledge and experience, he was able to share his expertese without overwhelming. A great teacher and friend of children...he will be missed but his impact will be felt for years to come!

Mark Sandoval
Plano,
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Monday, June 4, 2012

When my mother passed during my sophomore year, Joe B personally came to my dorm room and hand delivered a card expressing his condolences. His expression of sadness was genuine and heartfelt. I will never forget that, or him.

Jill & Bob Bloom
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Our sympathy and prayers are with you in the loss of such a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather. What an honor to have known and worked with him. He was truely a blessing to the world and may it bring comfort to know that the memory of such a kind soul will live on.

David and Sandy Gray
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

There are very, very few sons who have a father like you were blessed to have. He is probably teaching the hosts in Heaven, and enjoying the warm and loving embrace of his Father right now, and being patted on the back hearing the words: "You did a great job, and I am so happy to have you right by my side, and we are going to continue to talk and be together forever...I am so glad you are with me. I have a lot more things that I want to put you in charge of!"

Randy, Toni & Brandon Little
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

To Coach Hatcher & Layne
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather. Your family is in our prayers.

With Deepest Sympathies
Randy, Toni, & Brandon Little

Joyce miller
Conway,
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Such a wonderful gentleman. So so sorry.

Nancy Graddy
Conway,
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

So sorry to hear of Joe's death. Please accept sincerest sympathy. Out of state currently and regret not being able to come to service.
Nancy Graddy

Marvin, Blake "Scoop", and Braelin Hence
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Greg,

The boys and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your father. My family and I will keep your family in our hearts and prayers.

Marvin Hence, Blake "Scoop" Hence and Braelin Hence

Fr. Bob Allen '63
El Dorado, AR
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Monday, June 4, 2012

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Susan Holbert
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, June 4, 2012

Greg and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing that your dad touched so many lives from family, collegues, students and even strangers that he met. His legacy will live on through you and your family. May God give you and your family the strengh to get through this very difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Matthew 5:4

Dr. Gladwin Connell
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

My thought and prayers are with you.

Daryl Coker
,
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

My sincere sympathy to Greg and all of the Hatcher family in Joe's death. He was a great servant leader for all the organizations for which he served and volunteered. His leadership and counsel will be missed by many.

Tracy Harrison Breuklander
Jacksonville, FL
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

To the Hatcher Family,

The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories comfort you and bring you peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Tracy Harrison Breuklander

HINES TRUCKING
PRESCOTT, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

THE OWNERS AND MANAGERS EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPHATHY.

Nancy Lee Walters
,
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

My condolences to you, Irma Gail and to all of your family.

Johnna Schwander
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, June 4, 2012

Greg and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers stay with you continually during this time. Johnna, Lee and Suzanne Schwander

Cheryl McCullough
Lonoke, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Greg,

You and your family are in our prayers.

With our sympathy,

Paul and Cheryl McCullough

Gabriel Paul,#23 and Carmonlita Paul
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Coach Hatcher and Layne,

We are truly sorry for the lost of your dad and grandfather. Remember his life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You and your family are in our prayers.

Jim Lewis
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

I know your father took great pride in your many accomplishments - both in business and as a husband and father. I know you will miss his wise counsel. Susanne and I are so sorry for your loss - you are in our prayers.
Jim Lewis

Thomas M "Mike" Cumnock
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Joe was a true gentleman both in the way he conducted himself an as a "gentle man!" I am proud of the fact that I received training nurturing, and support as I was attempting to find my way in the world of non-profit management. Joe's leadership will be a hard act to follow, he set the bar very high! The only negative thing I could possibly say about him is "he was not a great dog trainer". I asked him "who was training whom?"

Reshon and Bernard Black
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

To The Hatcher Family,
I'm sorry about the lost of your Dad,I will never forget him at our first conway baseball tournament this year. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.


Reshon and Bernard Black

David Mabury
Memphis, TN
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

I was a student during Dr. Hatcher's tenure as president at Hendrix. He was always gracious and thoughtful, even to bumptious student journalists. My condolences to Irma Gail and family.

Michael Teston
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Joe was the kind of father everyone wished they had or could be. He will be missed.

Clifford Swoape
Woodbury, TN
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

The community is a better place thanks to all of his work. The world has better people in it because we had the opportunity to walk with him for a while. Our thanks and prayers go out to Joe B. Hatcher's family.

Cathy Harville
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, June 4, 2012

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jan Burford
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, June 4, 2012

Joe was an incredible board member and board chair for CARTI. I believe we are the organization we are today because of his vision and leadership. As president of CARTI, I could always call on Joe when I needed his wisdom on a situation, I can remember several of his comments and actions as a board member that changed the direction of CARTI and the CARTI Foundation for the better. As a Hendrix grad, I was always proud that Hendrix had such an outstanding president in Joe.

Ben R. McLintock, CFRE
Springdale, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with Joe over the course of several months on a capital campaign for my employer in Northwest Arkansas. I am better for having worked with him and always enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him. His wit, wisdom and kind heart will be missed.

Lynn Tubbs
Cabot, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Dr. Hatcher was a great asset to the CARTI Board of Director's and it was an absolute pleasure knowing and working with him while he was on the Board. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of loss.

Ben Robbins
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

While I never had the opportunity to meet Joe, I know losing a husband, father, grandfather, father-in law, but more importantly a best friend is heart breaking. Just know that the memories each of you have of him are his ways of continuing to share the life stories and that one day you will be reunited with him! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Sandy bynum
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

I met Joe on my birthday which just happened to be his birthday. From that time on, I felt like we were connected. I also had the honor to serve on the search committee that he co-chaired at PA. It was a pleasure to have know him. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

Don Swanson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

It was truly an honor to work with and know Joe Hatcher. He is one of the wisest people I've known. Joe could not help but be a very caring person. I consider him a friend and mentor, and will miss him dearly.

Tracey Jones
Roland, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Greg, I am deeply saddened for you and your family with this passing of Joe. I truely understand what it is like to lose a father but as stated in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted".

During our travels, Joe was so kind with a sense of calmness whether it be at a function, a match, on a flight or whatever....... Yes he will be missed.

Tracey & Michelle

Bill Bethea
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

Joe was a wonderful neighbor and friend. we mostly knew each other from our walking dogs at the same time. Joe was always concerned with everyone else and never had an ill word to say about anyone. I was gone this weekend and the RV next to ours had a dog that looked and acted just like Rudy. I was anxious to come home and tell Joe (and Rudy) abut this dog. I was devastated to find out that Joe had passed away during the weekend. I think of he and Irma Gail often.

Phillip Pate
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 4, 2012

We are so thankful for Dr. Hatchers service, example and leadership over the years. He will be missed very much by many including the Pate family.

Bernie Konkle II
Albion, MI
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Monday, June 4, 2012

To The Hatcher Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Joe. We didn't know him well but his family is a true testament of how to live life. Joe will truly be missed by all of us. To Greg, sorry I cannot be there buddy. Amy and I are praying for you all.
God Bless.

David and Christine Meroney
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 3, 2012

To all the Hatcher family, our deepest sympathies.

- two Hendrix alumni

Scott Annunziata
St. Louis, MO
Liked
Sunday, June 3, 2012

God bless you and be with you during this time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry Kimbrow
Conway, AR
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Sunday, June 3, 2012

Greg and the rest of the Hatcher family: I'm so sorry for your loss. Joe was a gentleman in every respect. He touched so many people. May God's grace abound as you face the days ahead. Terry

Dan Harpool
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 3, 2012

Rest in peace my great friend and mentor. It was a honor to work with you and will miss our conversations.

Carmen Nooner
Conway, AR
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Sunday, June 3, 2012

My condolences to you and your family. You are all in my prayers.

Risa Burgess Platt
,
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Sunday, June 3, 2012

Hearing the name Joe B Hatcher over the past 30 years has always made me smile, as it recalled with fondness the wonderful years I spent at Hendrix College. We called him Joe B with a smile on our faces and in our hearts because we knew that he cared.. not just because being the President and leading the college to financial success was his job, but also because he truly cared about US ... the students who were choosing to further their education.. the students who were putting their faith in a Liberal Arts College in Arkansas, and the students who, for whatever length of time during their academic career, called Hendrix home. Thank you, Hatcher family, for sharing your husband, your father, your grandfather with us. We will remember him always with love and respect.

Popeye
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 3, 2012

Its hard now days to find that person who can touch so many lives. You touched more than you will ever know. I'm honored to have got to know you over the years of working for your son Greg.. You did what your supposed to do when you have kids. You provided for them and loved them and showed them right from wrong. You also showed them not only by actions but by feelings for those who need to know how to succeed in life as well as business. You also showed that you can love someone for more than 50 years.
I know you were devoted to your wife Irma Gail over fifthy years of marriage. What an example you have put on the rest of us . I am proud to be able to say that Joe Hatcher was a friend of mine. Will miss seeing you at all of your grandchildrens sports events. I know you will be watching them from the best seat in the house.
Your friend Popeye

Todd and Ann Harrison
Cedar Park,
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Sunday, June 3, 2012

With our deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace and strength during these difficult times.
The family of Todd & Ann Harrison

Judy Corcoran
Conway, AR
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Saturday, June 2, 2012

What a shock! He was a kind, honest, and very likable person, I very much enjoyed working with him at UCA.

Jamie Harrison
Little Rock, AR
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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Joe you will definitely be missed. I remember during High School every Thanksgiving and Christmas break you would open up Albion College Kresge Gymnasium for some afternoon full court basketball. It was many years later, when you finally told me how my finesse basketball skills caused you a lot of bodily harm. I told you I thought that was funny, because I remember you always bowing up and dishing it back my way. Now I know where Greg gets his stamina, tenacity, and perseverance. We will to miss you Joe, but you will never be forgotten as you have left your mark on me and many others. Thank You!