Paul Howard Hatch, III.

Paul Howard Hatch, III was born in Rocky Mount, NC, on June 10,1957, the second child of Paul Howard Hatch, Jr. and Anne Norment Hatch.

After the death of his father his family moved to Fayetteville where he spent his childhood and graduated from Terry Sanford High School. Paul served in the United States Navy, where he excelled and graduated from the Nuclear Propulsion Program. He was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University which eventually led him to join the Division of Community Corrections as a probation officer.

Paul had many successes during his career including serving on the task force that helped develop the program and training materials for the sex offender control program. He distinguished himself as an expert in his field, served in Cumberland County's first Drug Treatment Court, and was honored as a probation and parole officer of the year after he came to the aid of a woman whose house was on fire. He truly loved his work and those who served with him.

He retired under medical circumstances in 2021, as the Assistant Judicial Manager of District 16, Scotland, Hoke and Robeson Counties.

Paul was an avid reader and you never saw him without a book in his hand or nearby, even as a child. He loved sports and followed his favorite teams throughout each season, especially NCSU - Go Pack! He and his wife Karen loved animals and were known for rescuing, aiding, and even adopting those who were injured or abandoned. One of Paul's favorite places was the beach where he could spend time with his family. Topsail Island has played a significant role in his life where he
loved fishing, relaxing on the porch, cooking and playing games.

Paul was given about six months to live when he was initially diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer in July 2020. He fought harder and longer than was predicted by his doctors but on February 4, 2023, he was called to Heaven. After an extended hospital stay his last wishes were to return home to be with his beloved wife, his daughter and son-in-law and especially his adored granddaughter, and family dogs, Maxie and Leo. He was welcomed to Heaven by a host of loved ones, namely, his father Paul H. Hatch, Jr., his brother Richard (Ricky) B. Hatch, his maternal grandparents, Richard and Mary Norment, all of Fayetteville, NC, and his great-nephew, Aven Bruce Moffat of Wake Forest, NC.

He is survived by his wife Karen Barrentine Hatch, daughter, Melissa Barrentine Martin, son-in-law, Robert Martin, granddaughter Lorelai Martin, who lovingly calls him Georgie, his mother, Anne N. Hatch, cousin, Lee Anne Norment all of
Fayetteville NC, sister, Mary Anne Traurig (Jon), of Greensboro, NC, niece, Debra Moffat (Craig), and great-nephews, Gene and John Moffat of Wake Forest, NC, as well as a niece, Brandi Byrd-Lavertu (Kevin), great-nephew, Gaston Lavertu, great-nieces, Emma Grace and Ellison Lavertu, of Fayetteville, NC, and many others of his extended family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Paul fought the good fight and kept his faith. He was so loved and will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Camp Ground United Methodist Church, 4625  Campground Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314.

An opportunity to visit with family and friends will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

Donations in memory of Paul can be made to:
- Campground UMC, 910-867-9436
- Amazing Aven's Quest for Amoeba Awareness, www.amazingaven.org
- Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, www.fapspet.org