A lifelong son of Poplarville, Larry graduated from Poplarville High School and Pearl River College in 1958 and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1963. He went on to serve nearly 15 years on active duty in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam and assignments in Korea and Germany. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, his honors included three Bronze Star Medals, one with a Valor Device, and the Purple Heart. Following active duty, he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve while pursuing a civilian career with Martin Marietta and NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
Larry's life was filled with adventure and many passions. An accomplished tennis player, he represented the Army in tournaments around the world and continued competing well into his seventies. A talented drummer, he performed with swing bands and marching bands and later became a member of Father of the Waters, a Scottish Highland bagpipe band. He also enjoyed restoring classic automobiles, collecting, and sharing life's simple pleasures.
Above all, Larry treasured his family and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Finemore Hatten and Mary Ford Hatten; his youngest son, Michael Ford Hatten; his great-granddaughter, Nora Juliette Miller; and the mother of his children, Monika Johnson Hatten Williams.
He is survived by his daughters, Christina Michelle Hatten Miller (Paul) and Cynthia Marie Hatten Sutfin; his son, John Pete Hatten (Linsey); his grandchildren: Lauren Sumrall, Reagan Sumrall, Laken Hatten, Tanner Hatten (Rachel), Addison Hatten, Bentley Hatten, Addy Hatten, Faith Coalson, Sebron Miller (Ann Morgan), Mollie Kate Miller, Bijoy Sam, and seven great-grandchildren.
We would also like to honor his caregivers throughout the years who without them, his family could not have provided the care he needed. These included Annette and Tim Irby, Amanda Dedeaux, Ashtyn Beach, and Arden Hospice nurses and staff, including his favorite nurse, Kristen Breland. We can never thank each of you enough for the care, support, and love you have shown to him over the years.
In his final days, Larry made a profession of faith and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, bringing comfort and peace to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, service, faith, and a life richly lived
Family and friends are invited to attend Larry's visitation at First Baptist Church of Poplarville, 203 S Main St, Poplarville, Mississippi, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by his funeral service at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Poplarville City Cemetery, Poplarville, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brothers Keepers of Poplarville or Back Pack Buddies of Poplarville.
