Charles Lee Hathcock, Jr.

Charles Lee Hathcock, Jr., 97. He was born on August 15, 1925 and passed on July 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hathcock, of 63 years. Charles was a lifelong resident of Caldwell County graduating from Lenoir High School and later Lenoir Rhyne College. He served his country as a Marine in World War II and was active in the American Legion. Charles had a long career in sales. He enjoyed playing golf and dancing with Betty at Cedar Rock Country Club and Lenoir Golf Club. One of his favorite places on earth was Ocean Drive Beach, especially during SOS weekends and the Fourth of July. Making friends wherever he went, whether at exercise class at the Senior Center, breakfast at McDonald’s or happy hour around town, conversations were started with “Ask me a question!” Folks called him lovingly by numerous nicknames: Mole, Tug, Gamps, Charlie, Sir Charles, and fittingly “Charles The Great”. He was the oldest member of First Baptist Church of Lenoir, where he rarely missed Sunday School or worship. A lifelong learner, Charles loved to keep up with current events and read multiple newspapers daily. He will be remembered for his love of family, church, community, friends, and life itself. Charles is survived by his three children; Bud Hathcock (Janey), Mikeal Hathcock (Jan), and daughter Ann Sime (Steve). Sister: Betty Moore, Charlotte, NC. He had five grandchildren; Anna Dale (Jon), Tyler Sime (Jennifer), Maggie Murray (Paul), Cory Hathcock, and Emma Hampton (John) and five great-grandchildren; Hunter Sime, Sawyer Sime, Owen Dale, Noah Dale, and Lillian Dale. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 24 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Lenoir with Dr. Josh Hughes. A visitation will follow in the fellowship hall. The family request memorial contributions to be made to Amorem (Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care) and The Caldwell Senior Center. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service is serving the Hathcock family.