Jerry Dolan Hatfield
March 27, 1946 – November 11, 2022
Longtime educator and community leader Jerry Dolan Hatfield died unexpectedly November 11. Born in Eustis, Jerry was a lifelong Umatilla resident. He was the son of the late Franklin P. “Doc” Hatfield and Adelaide Dolan Hatfield. He was married to Sharon McAlonen Hatfield and devoted father to Morgan A. Hatfield.
A lifelong Gators fan, Jerry earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and administration from the University of Florida. Jerry’s care for others was well-known, but many were unaware that while a student at UF he risked his own life to save another. For his heroism, he was awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal in 1967 and was the first recipient of the Stephen O’Connell Medal.
Jerry dedicated his life to serving his community. He was a longtime member of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, served in the YMCA Indian Guides with Morgan in the Indian Princess Program, and was a member of the 2005 Leadership Lake County class. He was also active in the community of citrus growers. Heavily involved in civic affairs he was a SECO Board Member for 21 years, serving multiple leadership roles, including president, vice-president, and secretary/treasurer.
As a principal and educator, Jerry led innovative education practices that put schools at the center of the community. He was a beloved principal and spent many years leading Altoona and Spring Creek Elementary Schools in his native North Lake County. He also played a significant role in the 4-H Programs at both schools. Jerry was at the forefront of the charter school movement starting the first charter conversion schools in Florida and serving as a charter school consultant across the state.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Jerry shared his love for the outdoors with friends and family. Fishing trips with Jerry meant a guaranteed story which he would artfully share with rapt audiences.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughter Morgan (Shawn McNew); brothers F.P. “Tim” Hatfield (Ruth) and Michael H. Hatfield; and nieces and nephews, Heidi Hatfield Edwards (Ric), Franklin “Trey” Hatfield, T. Shanley Hatfield (Lesley), Adria Hatfield Rhoads (Steven), and Frankie Hatfield Martin (Nelson).
Please join the family in celebrating the life of Jerry Hatfield Saturday November 26, 2022 from 1-4:30 pm at 42840 Boy Scout Rd. Paisley, Fl 32767. He loved tie dye so if you have anything tie dye please wear it. Please bring a side dish, tea and water will be provided, but if you prefer anything stronger, feel free to bring it. A large tent and chairs will be set up.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Altoona School or to Spring Creek Charter School’s Mac Owney Fund:
• Altoona School (put Jerry Hatfield in the memo line), 42630 SR 19, Altoona, FL 32702.
• Spring Creek Charter School Mac Owney Fund, 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley, FL 32767. (Created during Jerry’s time as principal of the school, the funds aid students and families of Spring Creek Charter School when they need special assistance)
Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Umatilla was entrusted with the arrangements.
