"Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death" Isaiah 57:1-2.  Ronny Joe Hatcher passed away July 18, 2018 at his home in Lowndes County. He was born July 15, 1948 and had just celebrated his 70 ^th birthday. His parents were the late A. D. and Flora Hatcher of Columbus.  Ronny was a loving father, papaw, brother, uncle, friend….but mostly a devoted husband to his late wife of 41 years, Monty Boyd Hatcher.

Following his graduation from New Hope High School, he attended East Mississippi Jr. College. He was a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. He and Monty were avid supporters of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and were long time members of the Eagle Club. One of Ronny's passions in life was to travel to Hattiesburg, (or wherever the Eagles were playing!), tailgate and gather with fans to watch the Eagles play.  He also had a love for the family hunting camp "Colonel's Corner" on the Tombigbee River where many a week-end was spent…. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was a member of the Juanice Hayes Sunday School Class. He, like his father, was a strong advocate of the betterment of children's education in Lowndes County. He served several years on the Lowndes County School Board, eventually serving as President.  Ronny joined Rhett Real Estate in the early 1970's and later moved his employment to Falcon Contracting Company where he worked for many years.

Ronny is preceded in death by his parents, A. D. and Flora Hatcher; his wife, Monty Boyd Hatcher and nephew, Jarrod Todd Eatman. He leaves behind his daughter, Jenny Carroll and her husband, Blake; his son, Forrest Hatcher, both of Columbus, MS; his sister, Beverly Delk and her husband, Bruce; his niece Casey Williams and her husband, Neil, all of Hampton, VA.; his beloved granddaughter, Mary-Emmie Carroll;  four nephews, Bill Boyd, Key Pittman (Camille), Coby Pittman and Camp Pittman; his great-nephew, Shay Boyd and 4 great-nieces, Tristen Boyd, Abby Williams, Emma Williams and Allison Williams.  He also leaves his brother-in-law, Craddock Boyd; sisters-in-law Tee Pittman (Terre) and Becky Boyd.

Visitation will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM with Brother Steve Lammons officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Pallbearers will be Fred Hayslett, Ray Crane, Ray McIntyre, Key Pittman, Chuck Carroll, Coby Pittman, Camp Pittman, and Shay Boyd.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Mt. Zion Building Fund, 1791 Lake Lowndes Road, Columbus, MS 39702 (662) 328-2811.