William “Al” Hatcher, 65, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Al was born on December 13, 1959, the second son to Ivan and Glenda Hatcher of Iaeger, W.Va., along with three brothers. From an early age, Al loved doing anything outdoors—especially hunting and fishing—and he was an active member of a local wildlife conservation club.

When Al was 17, he met the love of his life, Jennifer. They married four years later, and Al’s family expanded to include his beloved father- and mother-in-law, Don and Alma Cline of Iaeger, and their children Jeff, Rodney, Lolita, and Cindy Kay.

Two sons, Josh and Cody, came along, and as they grew older, Al became involved in coaching youth leagues for the boys’ teams. He volunteered countless hours to create good memories for all the kids in his small community—all while working long, often overnight hours underground in the coal mines to provide for his family.

After taking an early retirement in 2001, Al pursued a career in heavy-equipment operations and relocated with his family to Statesville in 2004. He retired from his role as Safety Manager at Earnhardt Grading after 19 years, in July 2024.

He loved to golf, take trips on his motorcycle, attend car shows, and, most of all, spend time with his family. He was a member of Mountain Road and Beulah Baptist Churches, River Hills Golf Club, a 1978 graduate of Iaeger High School, and a proud member of the United Mine Workers Association.

Al never met a stranger, and his kindness knew no bounds. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and will be deeply missed not only by his family but by his community.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jennifer Cline Hatcher; sons Josh Hatcher-Blackmire (spouse, Christian Hatcher-Blackmire) of Asheville, N.C., and Cody Hatcher (spouse, Gaby Zinicola) of Clover, S.C.; mother, Glenda Hatcher of Statesville; brothers, Sam Hatcher of Ohio, Tom Hatcher of Shady Springs, W.Va., and Joe Hatcher of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; and special nephews Crew and Cal Johnson and Theodore and Wright Stevens of Wilmington, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., or The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville.

Mr. Hatcher’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 9 a.m. in the chapel at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Burgess and Rev. Jamie Fox officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Princeton, W.Va.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hatcher and his family.