David James Hatley's Obituary
David James Hatley, 93, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the home of his daughter.
A funeral service celebrating David's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Lakeview Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Don Burleyson and Rev. Tab Whitley. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care of Albemarle.
Born on January 13, 1933, in Stanly County, David was the son of the late John Adam Hatley and Emma Isabelle Huneycutt Hatley.
David retired from Collins & Aikman in Albemarle after many years of dedicated service. A proud and patriotic American, he honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, a service that remained a source of great pride throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Lakeview Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he found strength in his faith and fellowship.
In April 2025 David was recognized as a Hometown Hero. He was honored for his lifetime of putting others first and humble service everywhere that he could help. He was always a quiet cornerstone of his family and the community. It was often said by many “He was the best, most humble and giving man known.” “He was the man that all of us lesser men wish we could be.”
David will be remembered as a genuinely humble and down-to-earth man who never met a stranger. His warm smile, kind heart, and caring spirit made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Beloved by family, friends, and all who knew him, he lived a life marked by quiet integrity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God and those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of many years, Jeanette Carlene Smith Hatley, who passed away on August 22, 2014. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jason Trexler, on February 23, 2026.
Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted daughter, Teresa Hatley Trexler Smith of Albemarle, and his grandson, Joshua Hatley Trexler of Fletcher, North Carolina. Many relatives and friends who were touched by his grace and humility grieve his passing but know that he is rejoicing in Heaven now.
Special close family and friends who helped Teresa care for him when needed are John Hatley and Angela Hatley of Albemarle, and John Schutte who jokingly said he was the adopted son. A special thanks to these three angels who loved and cared for him.
David's legacy of faith, patriotism, humility, selflessness and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the example he set will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration for generations to come. He was ready to go to Heaven, and to see Jesus and his loved ones.
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