Samuel P. Hatcher, 81, of Lucedale, passed away November 23, 2021 at USA Memorial Hospital of Mobile, AL. He was born July 26, 1940 in Refuge Community of George County, MS. He lived in George County all of his adult life and retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding. He married Melba Jean Rouse on June 7, 1963; she preceded him in death on August 24, 2016.

He was a faithful member of Refuge Methodist Church and was instrumental in the financial and building aspects of the new Refuge Methodist Church location on Hwy 63 South. He loved growing sugarcane and making syrup for the community and relatives.

He is survived by: his daughter, Tammy J. Hatcher of Biloxi, MS; his brother, Douglas M. Hatcher of Lucedale, MS; his sisters, Elaine Cowart and Eva Cowart of McLain, MS; brother-in-law, Ed (Suzy) Rouse of Knoxville, TN; his chosen family, Jeffrey and Belinda Thornton and their son Conner and their daughter Macy, all of Lucedale, MS, and Spencer Gilbert, of Lucedale, MS.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Melba J. Hatcher; his father, Arthur N. (Dorothy) Hatcher; his mother, Cynthia L. Moore Hatcher Taylor; his father-in-law and mother-in law, Fletcher (May) Rouse.

The funeral will be held 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Refuge United Methodist Church, 6187 Hwy 63 S, Lucedale, MS with Rev. Andy Cotten officiating.  Burial will be in Refuge Methodist Church Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 1:30pm-2:30pm at Refuge United Methodist Church.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.