Nicholas Jiles Hatcher

Elder Nicholas Jiles Hatcher, 85, left this world for his eternal home, August 21, 2026, in the comfort of his Taft residence. He was an Evangelist and Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at The Church of Jesus Christ in Taft, Florida. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War (1963-1965) and was issued an Honorable Discharge with a Medal of Recognition from the United States Army. Mr. Hatcher retired from The City of Orlando, the State of Florida Department of Transportation and Orange County Roadworks and Drainage.

Elder Hatcher was born November 20th, 1940, in Harlan, KY to the late Ruben and Mary Hatcher, one of 17 children. Only 11 survived past birth. He loved to joke he was the best looking of them all. He was wed in Holy Matrimony to Sister Mary Alice Merrell at the Church in Taft, January 21, 1966. He is survived by one sister, Betty Berkey in Warsaw, IN and his three daughters and their spouses, Mary Renee Squires (Pastor Thomas J. Squires), Merrell Lynn Palmer (John D. Palmer II) and Cheryl Ann Meadors (Tod Meadors). Grandchildren - Thomas J Squires Jr. (Samantha Squires), Twyla Lopez, Timothy Squires (Ashley), J.D. Palmer, Emily M. Palmer and 8 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Mary Hatcher, his wife Mary Alice Hatcher and siblings - Eliza Blankenship, Joyce Ellerbee, Linda Cardwell, Dillard Hatcher, Jerry Hatcher, Samuel Hatcher, Clarence Hatcher, Walter Hatcher, and George Hatcher.

A Celebration of Elder Nicholas Jiles Hatcher's life is schedule for August 28, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ - 9521 6th Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32824. Visitation is 9:30am to 10am with funeral service starting at 10am immediately followed by the graveside committal at Taft Memorial Cemetery. Refreshments will follow at the Church of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus Christ Saves - Acts 2:38