Mr. John Ecker Hatchett Jr.

John Ecker Hatchett, 81, of Columbus, Ohio and recently Riverview, Florida, passed away on January 8, 2024, in Stockbridge, Georgia. He was born on April 14, 1942, in Dolomite, Alabama, to John Edgar Hatcher and Tina Mae Patrick.

John Ecker Hatchett was a firm believer in the empowerment of entrepreneurship. Throughout his life, he worked as a skilled and self-taught auto mechanic for several decades and, as an entrepreneur at heart, founded the successful tree stump removal service, John’s Stump Removal. A master with his hands, he valued and modeled hard work and a strong work ethic, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

John Ecker Hatchett is preceded in death by his children, Ruby Toran and Tracy Savannah.

He is survived by his children, John (Benita) Bowie Sr., Alicia Hatchett, Deidre Tucker (Keith), Monique Mkiramweni, Darlene McCall, and adoptive daughter/granddaughter, Janay Bland. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Ager Simpson and survived by his siblings, Willie (Terri) Miller, Tina Mae McCormick, Dorothy Black, Rose (Geary) Scott Jones, and Jean (Cary) Dew. Additionally, he is remembered by his special friend and confidant, Maria Smith, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

He had a passion for fast cars and admired the beauty of women. Beyond that, he enjoyed technology, gardening, and was renowned for making a mean pot of chitlins and beans. John Ecker Hatchett never met a stranger; he loved his family deeply, enjoyed telling jokes, loved playing bid whist and had a unique gift for filling a room with laughter.

His giving heart, kindness, and the legacy of hard work and laughter he leaves behind will be cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation 1:00 PM and Funeral Service 2:00 PM Monday, January 15, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd). To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Hatchett Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com