Houston Jennings 'Hootie' Hatcher, Jr., 75, of Natural Bridge, died Sunday, August 31, 2008.

He was born July 22, 1933 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Houston Jennings Hatcher Sr., and Carrie Lillian Watkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Daniel Lee Hatcher and two sisters, June Hatcher Rafferty and Carrie Hatcher Walker.

Hootie as employed by John Carter Lumber, Bedford, Virginia.

He was a member of the Lexington Moose Lodge and was past Governor of the Glasgow lodge.

Hootie also was the owner and founder of Hootieville Bluegrass Music Festivals.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Kessinger Hatcher of Natural Bridge; one stepson: Wilbur P. "Billy" Kessinger of Fairfax and twelve children from a previous marriage: Tommy and Sandy Hatcher of Lexington; James Hatcher of Natual Bridge; Leah Hatcher Campbell ad Steve, of Natural Bridge; Robert Hatcher and Pam, of Watertown, New York; Johnny Hatcher of New London, Va; William and Dorthea, of Natural Bridge; Mike Hatcher of Rustburg; Helen Hatcher Floyd and Steve, of Rockbridge Baths; Mary Hatcher Fitzgerald and Kenny of Bedford; David Hatcher of Natural Bridge; Heidi Hatcher Robinette of North Carolina; and Douglas Hatcher and Daye of Natural Bridge; twenty grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, two God-grandchildren: Abigail Lauren Floyd and Jacob Allen Floyd, both of Buena Vista; two brothers: Henry M. Matcher and Gilmore W. Hatcher; four sisters: Susie J. Denson of Roanoke; Ruth J. Lewis of Port Royal, SC; Margaret Wyatt of Natural Bridge; and Stephanie J. Miller of roanoke; and a very special grandson, Stephen Floyd, Jr. of Rockbridge Baths.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Harrison Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tony Nix officiating. Interment will follow at Broad Creek Cemetery. Vistitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.