N. Clark Hatcher, Jr.

Mr. N. Clark Hatcher, Jr., 81, of Morganton & Mount Airy died peacefully at the home in Mt. Airy on Friday, February 3, 2012. Born in Mt. Airy, NC on May 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Norris Clark Hatcher and Nina Alderman Hatcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy Gordon Hatcher; and a sister, Eleanor Hatcher Stanley.Clark graduated from Mt. Airy High School in 1948. He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force elite Black Sheep Squadron in Korea & Japan. In 1952, he graduated from North Carolina State University School of Furniture Manufacturing & Management.He had an illustrious 43 year career in the furniture industry, holding executive posts with Mt. Airy Chair Company, Guardsman Chemical Coatings, Drexel Heritage Home Furnishings & retired with Masco Corporation in 1995.Clark was an avid reader, historian, world traveler and generous individual. He was very involved with his passions and community organizations. He traveled to the four corners of the world in search of new cultures, products, and experiences. He was most happy when he was at service to mankind.As a member of First United Methodist Church, he served on various mission trips to third world countries, and served as Chairman of the Finance, Trustee, Building Campaign Committees, and Administrative Boards.Recently, he was named as a N.C. State University Distinguished Alumni, serving on the Park Scholarship Selection Committee, was a Lifetime Wolfpack Club & Alumni Association member.Clark was a loving and devoted father, husband and grandfather, and friend to all. He will be missed. You don’t choose the life you have, you live one.He is survived by his wife, Katherine B. Parries of Mt. Airy; sons and their wives, N.C. "Trey" Hatcher III and Kathy of Morganton, David and Beth Hatcher of Winston Salem, Philip and Kelly Hatcher of Wilmington, and Bruce and Dawn Hatcher of Raleigh; grandchildren, Clark Hatcher IV, Mary Katherine Hatcher, Elizabeth Hatcher, William Hatcher, Parker Hatcher, Leanna Hatcher, Dustin Hatcher, Christian Hatcher, and Nicholas Atkins; stepson, John Parries, Jr. and wife, Maria and step-granddaughter, Sara Grace Parries of Mt. Airy; stepdaughters, Katherine Cornelia Parries of Greensboro and Lisa Parries Shaw of Mount Airy; sisters, Harriet Hatcher Shore of San Antonio, Texas and Rebecca Hatcher Kurtz and husband, Frank of Virginia Beach, VA; and a number of nieces and nephews.A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Robert Roach officiating. Entombment of his ashes will be in the church columbarium. Following the service the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Capital Maintenance Fund, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.