Van graduated in the class of 1950 from Central High School in Charlotte.
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, Van began working with his father and brother in retail lumber sales at Queen City Lumber Company in Charlotte. He retired as the president of Queen City after working there for more than 50 years.
Van was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where he and his wife, Linda joined in 1963. He was a member of the Phil Johnson Sunday School Class.
Van enjoyed a drag racing career from 1957-1969; and as a member of the NHRA Drag Racing Association, he held two national speed and elapsed time records.
Van was predeceased by his father, Hurley Berry Hatley, mother, Martha Almond Hatley, brother, Clyde Hatley, and sister-in-law, Annie Hatley.
Van is survived by his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Linda; his sister, Ruth (Jim) McCoy of Charlotte; his children, Michael (Linda) Hatley of Monroe, NC, Jeff (Shayne) Hatley of Mebane, NC, and Renee (John) Ratcliffe of Charlotte. Van was a beloved grandfather to Katrina, Nathaniel, Christopher, Andrew, Jessica, Eric, and Caroline; and great-grandfather to Ali, Wesley, Owen, and Aaron.
The family will receive friends from 11 until 1:00 P.M. in the Worship Center of Hickory Grove Baptist Church on Saturday, November 30, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 P.M. The Rev. John Harrill and the Rev. Arnold Kessler will officiate. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
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