Merton E. Hatfield

Mert began his military career and family while in the Navy on the USS Yorktown serving as a hydraulics specialist. Following the birth of 3 out of his 5 children (Melinda, Susan, and Dennis), he transferred into the Air Force. Through night classes and one year of college he attained a BA in History at Park College in Missouri. He subsequently was commissioned by the Air Force. Notable assignments in the later stage of his Air Force career were as a leadership instructor at Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery and later as a Commander of an Air Force Detachment in Tuscany, Italy (Livorno). Upon retirement from the Air Force after 20 years of service, he followed his wife, Mary Ellen, in pursuit of her Master’s in nursing at University of South Carolina. Not one to be just sitting around, he also attended USC, received a Master’s degree in theater, and started his acting career working for South Carolina Educational TV. He then joined the Screen Actors Guild, and began acting in numerous local and national commercials, TV Movies, Movie House Movies, and TV Series.

Mert was a natural when it came to acting, teaching, leadership, and coaching. Notably, he and his late wife Mary Ellen were keenly interested in teaching and nurturing positive relationships with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and people in general. They were exceptional listeners, never missed a chance to reward good behavior, and had a knack for constructive criticism and guidance. They both loved experiencing all the different people and cultures during their world travels. Mert shared many adventures with Mary Ellen for 50 years. After her death in 2004, he continued to love life and reconnected with his high school friend Fay Lois Groman. They married in 2006 and enjoyed 19 years of marriage. Mert dearly loved all of his family, loved to travel, loved people around the world, loved sports, loved a good book and/or movie, and in general loved life!

Mert was raised in the Baptist Church. His hobbies included a passion for history, playing tennis and golf, and a deep love for sports—especially Gamecock football and basketball. He also served as an evaluator for the Screen Actors Guild’s annual acting and film awards, and had a strong interest in travel, culture, and world politics.

Surviving are his wife, Fay Lois Groman Hatfield; children, Melinda Fay Hatfield Maybee (Tim), James Dennis Hatfield (Deborah), John Clyde Hatfield, Laura Ellen Hatfield West; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ellen Brown Hatfield; daughter, Susan Lee Hatfield Gonzalez; brother, James Adrian Hatfield; and sister, Carmen G. Buse Hatfield.

He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com