Gilbert Ray Hatcher

Gilbert Ray Hatcher, age 84, of Cody, Wyo., passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Lewisville, Texas. He was born Sept. 21, 1929 in Cabot, Ark. to Jasper Hatcher and Mamie Perkins Hatcher. Gilbert served in the US Army Air Corps in the Berlin Airlift at the end of WW II. He was awarded the WW II Victory Medal, the Berlin Airlift Device and the Army of Occupation Medal. Gilbert met the love of his life, Nora Sue McLeod, at SW Texas State Teachers College, where he earned a BS degree. They married in San Marcos on Aug. 25, 1951. In 1981, Gilbert won the National FDA Commendable Service Award, at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Pine Bluff, Ark. Gilbert was a hero to many, including his family. But Gilbert, or "Uncle Sonny," touched many more with unconditional love, teaching, and care. His actions taught them what God's love really is. Gilbert's lessons were remembered by Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article. Huckabee said Gilbert taught him how to fish. He said, "He took me out on the river and made me learn the basics. He'd say, 'Here's how you tie on that lure', and he'd make me do it." He is survived by his wife, Nora Sue; daughter, Penny Hatcher Preston and her husband, Charles; and sisters, Ellen Dew and Mary Guthrie. Services are to be determined. For online condolences and information please visit www.mulkeymason.com.