In Loving Memory of Autry Lee Hatfield, Sr.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Real-life Hero, Autry Lee Hatfield, Sr. After a long, hard fought and courageous battle with cancer, he peacefully departed this world, for his Heavenly home and walked into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of February 10, 2024. He was 86 years old.
He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, sagacious wisdom, and cherished memories that will forever remain in our hearts and light the way for generations to come. As he took his last breath, our lives were forever changed in knowing both the grief that there will never be another like him and the joy in the assurance that the heavens opened wide and he was greeted by a chorus of Angels singing “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Born, August 28, 1937, in Hope, Arkansas, Autry Lee Hatfield Sr., was one of eight children, five boys and three girls, and the first-born child of LeRoy and Mercedes Hatfield. From the very beginning he was an old soul and possessed a strength in both character and stature that is extremely rare and only given by God to a chosen few. His gentle nature, genuine kindness, and unwavering compassion for others touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a remarkable ability to offer guidance without judgement; support without condition, and to innately know how and when to give of himself and his time, to anyone in need without expectation of anything in return.
Autry was a devoted family man, who treasured the bonds he shared with his loved ones…and oh how he loved and was loved in return!
As a husband, he was blessed with two great loves. At 19 years of age, he met and married Lela Tomlin Hatfield and in their short but cherished time together their family grew in love to include two beautiful little girls, Pamela Rene’ and Sheri Denise. After Lela’s untimely passing, Autry dedicated himself as a single father raising his baby girls with the support of his mother, father, brothers, and sisters. Then, wonderfully, and somewhat unexpectedly, he found love again when he met and married Patricia Jezek Hatfield on May 25, 1963. They later welcomed two strapping baby boys, Ted (Autry Lee Hatfield, Jr.) and Timothy Lamar, into the world making his family complete and ensuring that even after his passing, his legacy of love remains.
As a Father (Daddy), Grandfather (Poppy, Paw Paw), Great Grandfather, and yes, Great, Great Grandfather, he was LOVE personified! Through his gentle and caring ways, his honor, his compassion, his wisdom, his quiet confidence and his faith, he modeled a way that illuminated the path for us to be the best version of ourselves, always knowing he was there to encourage us, guide us, and even gently, but firmly, redirect us should we, for even a moment, veer off course. Simply put, he was amazing, and we were blessed beyond measure to call him Dad/Daddy.
As a Son and loving Big Brother, Autry was always there, even from an early age, honoring and cherishing his parents, in part, by being a role model, protector, champion and friend to his brothers and sisters. Although he did so quietly and instinctively without the slightest thought of recognition or praise, his loving siblings have many times expressed love, gratitude, and shared stories of how he helped to instill and nurture their family first way of thinking; earned and held ever so dear an unbreakable and special bond with each of them; gave limitless love without question; provided fearless protection when needed, and taught them that with hard work and determination their world would be opened to endless possibilities.
As an Uncle and friend (and to all), Autry was by all accounts a brilliant storyteller, a pillar of strength, a talented musician, a clever and subtle comedian, and a quiet, loving, and gentle man whose journey was filled with purpose, compassion, respect, admiration, and dedication. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Autry is survived by his loving Wife, Patricia Hatfield; 3 Children, Sheri, Ted, and Tim Hatfield (Leslie); 9 Grandchildren, Sterling Underwood (Maddie), Ashley Wakefield Smith (David), Savannah and Skylar Brownlow, Nolan Hatfield (Grace), Haley Hatfield Sharp (Jacob), Allison, Bethany and Conner (Shelby) Hatfield; 3 Great Grandchildren, Joshua DelLacer, Danika Smith, Judah James Sharp; 1 Great Great Grandchild, Kinsley DelLacer; Brothers, Delton (Jackie) and Danny (Yvonne) Hatfield; Sisters, Carolyn Hatfield Roberts, Annette Hatfield Garner (Ronnie) and Diane Hatfield DuPree (Ronnie), and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his Wife, Lela Mae Tomlin Hatfield, his precious and first-born Daughter, Pamela Rene’ Hatfield Underwood; Parents, LeRoy and Mercedes Hatfield; Brothers James and Wayne Hatfield and a number of Aunts, Uncles, extended family, and friends.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and many care providers at MD Anderson Cancer Care for the quality and compassionate care during Autry’s courageous battle.
We invite you to join us in a celebration of Autry L. Hatfield Sr.’s life well-lived on March 2, 2024, at 2:00p at White Oak Grove Baptist Church, 314 Hwy 332 E, Hope (Deann), Arkansas. If preferred, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in honor of Autry Hatfield, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN or MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, as both organizations are renowned for their dedication to a cause that held special meaning to Autry.