Published: May 14, 2008 11:15 am            

George W. Hatfield, Jr. passes at 85

Former County Attorney went by nickname "Tweedy"

WHITLEY CITY — McCreary County has lost one of its most admired and distinguished citizens.

George W. “Tweedy” Hat-field, Jr., 85, passed away Sunday, May 11, in Somerset with his daughters at his side. His death follows a brief illness.

A World War II veteran, attorney, former County Attorney, retired business-man and teacher, Hatfield was one of the community’s most recognizable citizens. Throughout his life was known to everyone by his childhood nickname “Tweedy.”

“I’ve known Tweedy forever,” said Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips, who served as magistrate during Hatfield’s tenure as county attorney. “He was remarkably down-to-earth. Everyone knew him and he had time for everybody. He was a fixture not only in the courthouse circle but in our entire community.”

Tweedy Hatfield was born March 1, 1923, in Whitley City, to the late George W. and Nora Lewis Hatfield. He was only 16 when he graduated from McCreary County High School. He then attended and graduated from Cumberland College.

Tweedy taught at the Nevelsville School before joining the United States Navy during World War II. While serving in the Navy, he attended Cornell University.

He was discharged from the Navy in 1945, a level specialist A, First Class.

He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Kentucky, before graduating with distinction from the university's College of Law School as a Juris Doctor.

He was a member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi, a member of the Kentucky Law Journal, an appointment for those in the academic upper 10 percent of the university, and a member of The Order of the Coif, for high attainments in the study of law.

Tweedy was admitted to the Bar in 1949, and began practicing law with his Dad, George W. Hatfield, Sr., in his Whitley City law practice.

Donna Ross began working for him in 1957, where she is still employed today. Tweedy mentored Tim Lavender, and in the Fall of 1976, they began the Hatfield-Lavender Law Office.

Tweedy was elected to the Office of County Attorney for McCreary County five terms between 1966 and 1989. During his tenure as County Attorney, he served as lawyer to the McCreary Water District, of which he was on the ground floor of establishing. He played an import-ant part in the Courthouse Annex and in the construction of the new jail.

“Tweedy was a teacher of mine in high school and later in life, he was always helpful to me when I was county judge-executive,” former Judge-Executive Jimmie Greene said yesterday. “We had our political differences but he always gave me advice freely and in the best interest of the county. I consider him a dear friend and I will always be indebted to Tweedy Hatfield.”

Tweedy was widely known for his willingness to serve the needy of his community. He was known to take payment for services in a trade or barter, when a clients funds may not have been available. His fairness in and out of the courtroom was admired by all who knew him. Beyond all his distinctions and awards, he was very proud and honored to serve the people of McCreary County.

Preceding Tweedy in death are his parents; his brothers, Robert L. Hatfield and Roland Hatfield; and his sister, Grace Hatfield Jones.

He is survived by his daughters, JoJo (and Brad) Stephens, Page Hatfield Bryant, Sebrena (and Johnny) Ball, all of Whitley City, and Pam Wood, of Palm City, Florida; his sister, Betty K. Hatfield, of Whitley City; his grandchildren, George Riley, Casey, Josie Bette and Bradley Stephens, Bryson Bryant, Amber Ball and Travis Kidd, and Lori Markut and Stuart and Matthew Wood; his six great-grandchildren; his former wife, Faye Hatfield, with whom he remained a close friend and companion; a special friend, Rena Stephens, who he thought of as family; and a host of colleagues and friends, who as well, will mourn his passing.

Following his own wishes, there will be no funeral services.

His burial will be in the Holloway Cemetery, of Whitley City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Educa-tional Scholarship Fund in Memory of Mr. George W. Hatfield, set up at the Bank of McCreary County.

Condolences or special memories may be expressed and shared at pbryant@highland.net or to P.O. Box 184, Marshes Siding, KY 42631.

        

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