Ellis Elmore Hatley

Mr. Ellis Elmore Hatley, 94, of Hudson, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Tuesday April 12, 2016, at Trinity Ridge in Hickory, where he had been a resident for three years. Ellis, lovingly known to many as “Hat,” had a great love for the land and nature and was an avid vegetable gardener and farmer. Always raising more than enough vegetables to share with everyone he knew, his garden rows grew longer with each passing year. His generous spirit allowed no one to leave the farm in the summer months without a bag or box of beautiful vegetables. His abundant patience and passion for the outdoors was evident in his love of saltwater fishing. Ellis could stand for hours on the beach with his buddies, waiting to land the next “big one.” He often ribbed those who took a break by telling them, “you can’t catch anything with a dry hook.” Ellis was a humble man of few words who shared sage advice with those astute enough to seek his counsel. His clarity of vision and keen planning skills, along with a lot of recycled materials, positioned him nicely to advise on many ingenious solutions. However, his most important advice was to count your blessings and enjoy life each and every day. Ellis taught us by example how to live and appreciate life in the present, and often said “these are the good old days.” His ever-positive spirit led him to live a long and happy life. As a student and basketball player at Hudson High School, Ellis met the love of his life, Helen Justice. After serving in the Army for three years in the European theater of World War II, they were married in 1946 and began their 68 years of life together. As a true member of the greatest generation, Ellis was the epitome of those who serve God, country, and family. Ellis began his career as a heavy equipment operator, using a bulldozer to literally change the shape of much of burgeoning Caldwell County. Later he became co-owner of B+C Trucking Company which served Caldwell and Catawba counties with overnight deliveries from Charlotte, long before present-day overnight companies existed. As a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson, he served in manyunsung capacities like assembling the manger scene, setting up the Christmas tree, bush hogging the grounds, and digging the basement for the educational building. Ellis also served on Church Council and ushered frequently. He dearly loved his church family and attending worship. Ellis was born on October 17, 1921, in Caldwell County, to the late James Monroe Hatley and Jessie Williams Hatley. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Justice Hatley; four brothers and their wives: Troy Hatley (Coleen), Ray Hatley (Faye), Ben Hatley (Jean), Melvin Hatley (Clara); and his son-in-law, James N. Hicks. He is survived by two daughters: Ann H. Houck and husband, Larry, of McCormick, SC; Kathryn H. Hicks of Hudson; one son, James Ellis Hatley of Charlotte; three grandchildren and their spouses: Lauri H. Stilwell (Darren); Carey J. Houck (Julie); and David J. Hicks (Margie); seven great-grandchildren: Benjamin Pannenbacker and wife, Emma; Luke Pannenbacker; Riley Houck; Rachel Ellis Houck; Madeleine Houck; Hatley Hicks; Hailey Hicks; and one great-great-grandchild, Liam Pannenbacker. Additional survivors include three sisters-in-law: Betty Keaton, Cleo Justice, and Jean Justice; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Ridge and all of Ellis’ regular visitors for the love and care they generously gave him throughout his stay. A memorial service will be held for Ellis at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 18, 2016 with the Rev. Ann Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm in the church fellowship hall preceding the service. Graveside rites will be conducted following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 325 Central Street, Hudson, NC 28638. Online condolences can be sent to the Hatley Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Hatley Family.