Sgt. Major Cecil Ray “The Hat” Hatfield, 70, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
He was born in Chattanooga to the late John and Viola Hatfield, and was preceded in death by his brother, David Franklin Hatfield, daughter, Diana Lynn Hatfield, and first wife, Doris May Hatfield.
Cecil played college football at Auburn University, Navy, and walked on with the Oakland Raiders where he played for a short time before he answered the call and served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam War, and he continued to serve in the U.S. States Army-Reserves where he once again went back to war and fought in the Gulf War, and Iraqi Freedom where he received injuries that forced him to retire.
Survivors include his wife, Sherry Samples of Cleveland, children, Donna Rhodes-Woody of Harrison, Pamela Hodgson, Michael Samples both of Cleveland, Ike Samples Jr., of Tallahassee, Fl., siblings, Jim “Ed” Hatfield of Glen Burnie, Md., Floral “Cricket” Boykin, Arthur Hatfield both of York, S.C., ten grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at noon on Thursday, Feb. 11, in the chapel with the military chaplain officiating. Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full honors.
Family will receive friends after 4 p.m. on Monday, all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and prior to the service on Thursday.
Arrangements are by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.