62, died Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Tampa, Florida, after a faithful, seven-year battle against multiple myeloma. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, November 12, 1955, to Daniel Grey Hatcher, Jr., and Wanda Maye Eskew Hatcher, both of Fayetteville, West Virginia.
The family moved to Maryville, Tennessee, when Steve was five years old, and he grew up playing basketball, running track, and hiking and camping in his beloved Great Smoky Mountains. He graduated from Maryville High School in 1974, earning the rank of Eagle Scout along the way.
In 1978, Steve graduated with a B.A. with honors and distinction from Rhodes College , formerly know as Southwestern At Memphis. Steve was an active member and led Bible studies with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, through which he met his wife, Becky. Following graduation, Steve earned a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1981 and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida School of Law in 1982.
Steve started his legal career with the firm of Anderson & Rush in Orlando, Florida. In October 1984, Steve joined the law firm of Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe in Orlando, where he practiced for almost 35 years. He served as president of the firm from 2008 to 2018.
Steve was a member of Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Maitland, Florida, for 33 years, serving as deacon, Cub Scout leader for the 5th grade Webelos, Scoutmaster of Troop 687, member and chairman of the Orangewood Christian School Board, and, eventually, elder.
As a husband, father, and grandfather, Steve exemplified patience, discernment, and love. He had a God-given gift for listening intently and providing wise counsel. He simply loved life with his family, laughter, music, and playing basketball and golf with his sons and friends.
Steve faithfully served the Orlando community with his gifts and time. He was a graduate of and served as secretary of Lifework Leadership Orlando. He served on the the National Christian Foundation Orlando Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for Jobs Partnership of Florida. Steve was also a certified Christian Conciliator through Peacemaker Ministries.
In 2015, Steve and Becky relocated to Tampa to be closer to family, due to his illness.
They became members of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Steve became active in the Friday morning men's Bible study at Palma Ceia Country Club.
Steve governed his life by God's word, and he particularly chose as his life's verse: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Wanda Hatcher, and his brother-in-law, John Brannan, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rebecca Brannan (Becky) Hatcher; son Nathaniel Stephen (Nathan) and his wife, Kathryn Koczwara (Katie) Hatcher; son Benjamin Brannan (Ben) Hatcher and his wife, Melody Secrest Hatcher; and three grandchildren, Sophie Grace Hatcher, Evelyn Dyess (Evie) Hatcher, and Stephen Alan Hatcher.
On the Hatcher side, Steve is survived by his brother, Grey Hatcher and his wife, Chris; niece Meghan Guilliams and her husband, Vince; nephew Daniel Hatcher; and great-nephew, Owen Guilliams.
On the Brannan side, Steve is survived by his father and mother-in-law, Carl D. Brannan, M.D., and his wife, Martha W. (Monk) Brannan; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Tony Brannan, M.D., and his wife, Jane, Carl Brannan and his wife, Beth, Kim Brannan, Vairin Tolley and her husband, Rob, and Bill Brannan and his wife, Kathryn; 17 Brannan nieces and nephews; five nieces and nephews-in-law; and three great-nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Tampa Urban Young Life, P.O. Box 46416, Tampa, Florida 33647.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 1 pm at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, 350 South Hyde Park Avenue, Tampa, 33606, with reception to follow.
