William (Billy Jo) Joseph Hatfield, age 72, surrounded by his family, lost the battle with Parkinson’s an Agent Orange illness on August 7, 2021

Bill was born on September 11, 1948, to Bobbie Jean Moon and James Willard Hatfield in Matewan, West Virginia.

In Bill’s youth his mother, grandmother, four siblings, and close extended family moved from West Virginia to Utah seeking a better life.  They lived in Thompson Springs, then later in Green River, Utah.

On November 30, 1967, Bill joined the military as an Army Recon Scout serving in the Vietnam War.  He earned many service commendations including but not limited to the three Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars, and the Silver Star for heroism above and beyond the call of duty, saving many lives by clearing mines.  When Bill returned stateside, he served as a Drill Sgt. at Fort Polk, LA until he was honorably discharged on November 27, 1970, as an E-6 SSgt.  He continued in the Army Reserves for another three years, ending November 1973.

Returning to Utah after the military, Bill met and married the love of his life, Donna R. Chandler.  They were married on November 19, 1971.  Bill and Donna had three biological children; Shlisa, William Jr., and Bridgett.  They also raised five other children, Bruce (brother), Jeff (brother), Denise (niece), Christina, and Paulina (foster children).

The Hatfield’s have always been known for their welcoming and open home.  Helping and raising many family members and friends in their 49 years of marriage.  Bill- Uncle Bill- Papa Bill (Nann) as many of the Green River family and friends call them were known for always loving everyone. The Hatfield’s home, no matter where it was on Long Street, in Elgin, or at the Ranch, was known to be full of children, many of them not belonging to Papa (Nann) but always welcomed and loved.

Papa Bill is survived by his wife, Donna Chandler Hatfield; daughter, Shlisa (Tom) Hughes; son, William J. Hatfield Jr.; daughter, Bridgett Hatfield, all of Green River, Utah; Bruce (Sandy) Hatfield of Grantsville, Utah, Jeff Adams of Springdale, Washington, Denise Lovato of Green River, Christina (Steve) Chapman of Sandy, Utah, Paulina Gittle; 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, five brothers, three sisters, many nieces, nephews, and extended grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother (Mimmy); mother, (Mommy) Bobbie Jean; father, James Willard; and brothers Jack, Gregg, Gib, and Roger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to lifelong friend Lorraine Martin.  Lorraine made it possible for Papa Bill to remain at home in the final stages of life, coming and helping the family take care of him.

Celebration of Life, Thursday, August 12, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at the Green River Senior Citizens Center (335 East 175 South) where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service.   Interment will be in the Elgin Cemetery in Green River with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #3. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net