George Robert Hatch, was born in Mound City, Missouri on June 8, 1931, the son of William Garth Hatch and Bernice Faith Lease Hatch. He died on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at his home.
His family moved to Arkansas when he was very young. He attended Holy Redeemer School in El Dorado and graduated from Subiaco Academy (Class of '49)
at Subiaco, AR. While at Subiaco he started playing the drums.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years during the Korean War Conflict. While stationed in Adak, Alaska, he was attached to the Seabees. Special Services had his set of drums shipped to Adak and a band was formed to play for the officers club. He was privileged to meet Bob Hope and his entourage when he entertained troops there. After his discharge, he worked for a short time for the FBI in Washington, D.C.

He returned to Arkansas to pursue a college degree at Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University. He attended on a band scholarship and the GI Bill. Besides the marching band, he played with the Varsitonians and the Hardin Sextet. At SSC he met his future bride, Cassie Mae Jordan and they married July 3, 1955.

They moved to Camden where he worked for International Paper Company for 17 years before embarking on a long career in data processing. In Camden he was a member of the Camden Jaycees, FBC bus ministry, and he helped organize and start an Evening Lions Club where he served as president. He worked with the FBC Boys Scout troop and youth group. He was part of The Pathfinders, a gospel singing group. He especially loved this group and they ministered in churches all around.

In Sheridan he was an active member of First Baptist Church where he has worked with the bus ministry, children's church, youth and especially the Primetimers. He liked to work in VBS with the children. He was a member of Post 30 of the American Legion. George really enjoyed working in the House of Representatives during the legislative sessions as a Sergeant at Arms. (Red Coat)

During his drum playing days, he enjoyed playing with the Southermaires, Music Makers of Hot Springs, the Country Ramblers , and several other groups.

George was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother, Gartha Jane Hatch Hutzel and William "Bill" Lease. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cassie Jordan Hatch, one son, William "Chris" Hatch (Angela) of Lake Village, two daughters, Libby Hatch Bennett (Michael) of Sheridan and Ginger Hatch Robbins (Trace) of Bryant, a sister, Sharon Faith Wallis of Fort Smith, two granddaughters, Lynley Johnson and Annalise Robbins, and one great-grandson, Robert Easton Bellomy.

Services will be Saturday, April 28, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Dr. Ed Simpson officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 until 8 PM. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church (Food Pantry) 1201 South Rock St., Sheridan, AR. 72150 or Arkansas Hospice, 201 Frankie Lane, Pine Bluff, AR, 71602.

Pallbearers are Bobby Pinson, Joseph Judith, Tom Waller, Mac Johnson, Dwayne Mills and Andy Bryant. Honorary pallbearer is Charles Jones.

The family would like to extend thanks to the workers at Arkansas Hospice, Marilyn Brown; Kelly Lee; Willie Montgomery and Roma Simmons.