Leon Samuel "Sam" Hatcher Jr.

Leon Samuel Hatcher, Jr (“Sam”), 80, of Marietta, Georgia, died June 6, 2026. Born July 11, 1945, in McAllen, Texas to Leon and Lucille Hatcher, Sam was the third of eight children. As an 18 year old freshman at the University Oklahoma in 1964, Sam persistently pursued and won the heart of Katherine Mary McCray, the sister of one of one of his former Norman High School baseball teammates. Sam and Katherine married as young college students on August 6, 1966, and remained by each other’s side for more than fifty-nine years, welcoming three sons and four daughters into their family.

Sam and Katherine modeled a marriage anchored in faith. They lived the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:12 that while two may stand strong together, a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Their partnership, strengthened by God at its center, remains one of his greatest legacies.

Sam earned both bachelor and master degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma. In 1968, and he and Katherine moved with their first child to Bay City, Texas, where Sam began his career at Celanese Chemical Company. During this season, they were blessed with two more children before relocating to Midland, and later, Kingwood, Texas, managing engineering projects, and welcoming 4 more children.

In 1994, a new opportunity as vice-president of Hydro Chem, brought them to Marietta, Georgia, along with their four youngest children. Marietta became home, and Sam cherished having many of his children, and soon grandchildren, nearby.

Sam was a man of uncommon kindness - gentle spirited, brilliant yet humble, empathetic, wise, and servant hearted. He had a remarkable gift for making his friends and family feel like the most important person in his life, and to him, they truly were. Music brought Sam great joy. He played guitar and piano by ear and could be heard leading others in songs of all kinds, from silly and fun songs, to praise and worship songs. He also had a passion for math, history, and sports, and rarely missed an opportunity to attend the games, recitals, and performances of his children and grandchildren. Sam treasured life’s simple pleasures as well: taking walks in nature, a bowl of ice cream, a good game, and jokes that often made him laugh before he could finish the punchline.

After he retired, Sam had more time to serve the community, volunteering preparing and serving lunches through organizations such as “Serving Love/Serving Lunch,” St. Ann’s FACTS and The Table on Delk ministries. He participated in Prayer and Praise groups, healing masses, and was a member of Promise Keepers men’s group.

Sam is survived by his wife, Katherine McCray Hatcher; seven children: Greg (Cindy) Hatcher, Jason Hatcher, Megan (Chris) Souther, Amy (Sam) Caldwell, Cara (Ed) Blair, Paul (Leslie) Hatcher, Bethany (Cameron) Creech; twenty-eight grandchildren: Hannah (Zach) Jones, Robyn (Michael) Datiles, Travis, Louis (Anneliese), Joseph (Madison), Nicole, David, Peter, Matthew, Stella, Caroline, Molly, Clara, Nora, and Joshua Hatcher, Ethan, Aiden, and Marissa Souther, Brianna, Caleb, and Rachel Caldwell, Madelyn, Lily, Henry, Jack, and George Blair, Elliott and Annie Creech; five great grandchildren with one more on the way Jonah and Elianna Jones, Giavanna Datiles, Simon and Judah Hatcher. Sam also is survived by six siblings: Elaine Fransen, Carol Walters, Steve (Jean) Hatcher, Izzy (Doug) Bracken, Ginny (Bob) Rivera, and Chris (Ron) Neher.

Sam is preceded in death by parents Leon Hatcher (2009) and Lucille Hatcher (2014), sister Hilma Montoya (1996) and grandchild Daniel Blair (2006).

Sam’s life was a testament to God’s grace, and his faith continues to shape the generations that follow. Though he is now with Jesus, the light of his love and faithfulness will continue to guide his family for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to support St. Ann’s FACTS Ministry (Fighting to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex). More information can be found at https://st-ann.org/facts/ and donations can be made by selecting “Other Special Donations” and “FACTS” Ministry here: https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/weshare-20001351?tab=home