Ricky Hatcher, 72, passed away July 3, 2026, at his home in Cedar Grove, Tennessee. He was born in Gibson County on March 7, 1954, to the late Willie Lawrence Hatcher and the late Iris Kirk Hatcher-Crider.
Mr. Hatcher is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn Hatcher; a son, Kirk Hatcher (Brooke); a daughter, Erin Howard (David); two brothers: Richard Hatcher (Pam), and Larry Hatcher (Sylvia); one sister, Pam Brawner; eight grandchildren, Austin Howard (Megan), Hannah Phillips (Bean), Jackson Howard, William Howard, Ema Copeland, (Grant), Isabela, Lucas, and Adelaide Hatcher ; three great grandchildren, Oliver Howard, Marilyn Howard, and Bear Phillips.
He was preceded in death by one grandchild, Emmeline Hatcher.
Ricky was an expert pilot with a distinguished career spanning 50 years, flying corporate aircraft across the North American continent. As a flight instructor, he passed on his enthusiasm for aviation to many others, training aspiring pilots to the same meticulous standards he demanded of himself.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ricky was a man of seemingly unlimited talents and passions. He was an excellent woodworker, carpenter, electrician, plumber, mason, fabricator, and mechanic, often using these skills to help family, friends, and neighbors. He loved the outdoors, enjoying camping, hiking in the Smokies and Rockies, and kayaking. He especially enjoyed doing all of these things with the family he adored. He built his home with his own hands on the end of a wooded ridge in Cedar Grove, and thoughtfully landscaped it in a way reflecting his appreciation for God’s beautiful creation. He and Marilyn raised their children there, and from there, he passed into the next life, surrounded by three generations of family.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Bargerton Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Bargerton Church of Christ Cemetery, The family will receive friends on Monday 5 – 8 PM at Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington and on Tuesday, 9-11 AM at Bargerton Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Bargerton Church of Christ or Lebonheur.
