Lawrence Hatley

Lawrence Clinton Hatley, 92 years of age, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at his home.

Lawrence was born May 22, 1922 in Stanly County to the late William Berry Hatley and Bertha Lee Smith Hatley. He was also preceded in death by son, Joel Clinton Hatley; two infant daughters; sister, Evelyn Hatley Burris Freeman; brothers, Warren George Hatley, and Edward Thomas Hatley.

Lawrence enjoyed farming, raising cows, and riding his Harley with his friends, including his best friend of 72 years, Pete Whitley.

He served in the Army during WWII, landing in Normandy as a replacement soldier with the 203 Anti-aircraft unit. He was then attached to 7th Armored in Anti-aircraft artillery, travelling through France, Belgium, Holland and entering Germany at Achen. By war's end he was in Northern Germany at the Baltic Sea, having earned five Battle Stars: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes (The Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland, and Central Europe.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Friday, August 22, 2014 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Salem United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Fred Jordan. The service will be preceded by a 30 minute state. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, 20987 NC 73 Hwy., Albemarle, NC 28001, where military rites will be performed by the Stanly County DAV.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jo Beaver Hatley of the home; son, Warren Berry (Crystal) Hatley; daughter, Lauri Jo Hatley all of Albemarle; children by previous marriage with Evelyn Laton Hatley, Lyndon Dale (Denise) Hatley of Albemarle, Darrell (Debby) Hatley of Iron Station and Inga ( Riad) Koujak of Greensboro; grandchildren, Chanda (Terry) Waller, Benjamin Hatley, Dathan (Brooke) Hatley, Michal Hatley, Hana (Todd) Lynch, Mustafa Koujak, Amiera Sawyer, Daniah (Jeff) Swaim, Daniel Hatley, and Leanna Hatley; great-grandchildren, Terin and Sophie Waller, Gracie Stogner and Micah Hatley, Hayden, Halle and Ella Lynch, Sage and Ian Sawyer and Kendyl Melton, Jerry and Dallas Swaim.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hospice of Stanly County, especially Lauren, Sherri, Nancy, and Bill.

Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church of Albemarle, 20987 NC 73 Hwy., Albemarle, NC 28001 or Hospice of Stanly County, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28002.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Hatley family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com