NASHVILLE, TN — Dr. Richard Wesley Hatfield was born in Nashville on January 9, 1939, to Walter Hatfield and Elizabeth Pratt Hatfield. He passed away on March 12, 2021. His father and mother died before him, as did his brothers Barney, Walter Jr., Morris, William, Samuel, and his sisters Virginia (Mrs. Jackson), Mildred, and Jewel (Mrs. Phillips).
Richard graduated from Pearl High School, earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Tennessee State University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Tennessee.
He served as a teacher and taught mathematics at Meigs Academic Magnet School, Hillwood, McGavock High School, Brentwood, Fairview High School for over 35 years, and a professor at Tennessee State University. He also handled the Homework Hotline for over 20 years.
Richard, a lifelong music lover, played the piano and enjoyed opera. He was a founding and longtime member of the Nashville Symphony Chorus’s bass section for over 50 years and performed in ensembles since the group’s inception in 1963.
The Nashville Symphony family is saddened by his passing and will remember his dedication to the organization. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, just a few people were able to see and pay their respects as they proceed through the funeral processional line.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Highland Hills Funeral Home, 2422 Brick Church Pike.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who is so inclined should please make gifts to Nashville Symphony “in memory of Dr. Richard Hatfield” on their website https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/contribute/donate-now/.
Comments / 0