Jerry Lee Hatton, 82, of Lenoir, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on March 28, 2026.

Jerry was born on November 14, 1943, in Boomer, North Carolina (Caldwell County), to the late Connielee and Thomas Hatton.

He grew up in the Kings Creek community and attended Kings Creek High School. Following graduation, Jerry dedicated 26 years of service to Bernhardt Furniture Company.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Hatton.

He is survived by his children: Alan Hatton and wife Michelle; Beth Jardon and husband Marc, Ray Boyet and wife Lori; and Wayne Woods Jr. and partner Mary. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Hatton; his brother, Mike Hatton and wife Teresa; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jerry was a former member of the Kings Creek Ruritan Club and served as a referee for the Senior Baseball League of Lenoir. He enjoyed square dancing and bowling, watching classic Western films, and was an avid sports enthusiast. He was affiliated with the Baptist denomination.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.

A graveside service to honor the life of Jerry Hatton will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 2:00pm at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Thomasville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to friends and loved ones for their support during this time.

"Paw Paw Jerry" will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.