Larry L. Hatfield

In Loving Memory

A Tribute to a Wonderful Man

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Larry Lee Hatfield, who left us on March 21, 2025, at the age of 84.

Larry was born at home on June 5, 1940, in Trosky, Minnesota, to Elsie (Graphenteen) and Everett Hatfield in a small house built by his father. His two midwife aunts delivered him before the country doctor could arrive. When the doctor finally arrived to deliver Larry, he explained that he was late because he had to stop along the way to tend to a sick cow. Larry’s midwife aunts always joked that they knew where Larry stood in line…behind a cow! Larry was blessed to be born into a rural farm life where hard work and patience are expected.

Larry graduated from Ortonville High School in 1958. He was an outstanding student who enjoyed all his academic subjects and participated eagerly in theater and public speaking. He entered the University of Minnesota to study and work in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics under the guidance of Dr. William Luyten, an expert in White Dwarfs. He later changed his major to Mathematics Education. He earned his master’s in mathematics at Western Michigan and his PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota. Larry served on the Mathematics Education faculty at the University of Georgia from 1968 to 2009. In 1990, Larry received the highest teaching award from the University of Georgia, the Josiah T. Meigs Distinguished Teaching Award. In 2012, he was awarded the Distinguished Mathematics Department Alumnus Award from the University of Western Michigan. During his academic career, Larry spent one year as a visiting professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. He served two years as Deputy Director at the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC, and, after retirement, was hired by the University of Wyoming as their Excellence Professor of Mathematics Education.

Larry was undeniably a kind, loving, energetic, and positive person. His nonjudgmental nature, boundless enthusiasm for life, and unwavering support for others made him a remarkable husband and an exceptional father.

He always approached life with an open heart and mind. Every person he met was treated with respect and understanding, and he never judged anyone. His ability to see the best in people and situations was truly inspiring.

Energetic and full of life, he was always up for any adventure, whether a spontaneous trip, a new restaurant, or simply spending time with family and friends. Larry embraced everything with a zest that was contagious. His positivity was a beacon that brightened even the darkest days.

In the 1990s, while living in Maxeys, GA, Larry worked to restore an 1840 Georgia plantation house. In 2015, he restored a small sailboat while living summers at his beloved East Boothbay, Maine home.

In the early 2000s, Larry wrote and published a work of biographical fiction, A Meadowlark Sings, inspired by the death of his beloved daughter, Marni, and his early years growing up on his family’s Minnesota farm.

As a husband, Larry was unparalleled. His love and support formed the foundation of his marriage to Carolyn, his wife. They confronted every challenge together and celebrated every joy. His unwavering faith in their marriage helped Carolyn grow into a better person, and their love was a gift they cherished each day.

As a father, Larry was remarkable. After raising his own four children, he helped to raise Carolyn’s two young daughters. All his children and grandchildren brought him immense pride and joy; he dedicated his heart and soul to their upbringing. His patience, wisdom, and boundless love shaped their lives in ways that words cannot fully express. He was their hero, mentor, and friend.

Larry brought a unique light into the lives of those around him in every role he played, whether as a husband, father, or friend. His smile lit up every room he entered. His legacy of love, kindness, and positivity will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. Though he may no longer be with us in this world, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every day.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1065 Gaines School Rd., Athens, GA 30606. A reception will follow the service. The location will be announced.

Larry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carolyn Wilson Hatfield; his children Amber McKeague (Phil), Michael (Miho), and James Hatfield (Lauren); his stepchildren Sean Coker, Alexandra Sanders, and Erica Parrinello; and his eight grandchildren, Sophia, Jason, Augusta, McKenzie, Brock, Gracie, Tre, and Kailani. Larry leaves behind his beloved brother, Charles (Sandy), and Richard Hatfield, along with nieces, nephews, and many cousins. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Beverly, and his beloved daughter, Marni Loretta.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA, is assisting the family with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com