March 16, 1941 - November 5, 2017
John Stephen Hathcote, age 76, of Little Rock entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, November 5, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents William Everett and Dixie Loretta Hathcote.
He never met a stranger and had a special gift for connecting with everyone he came in contact with. He was an instrument for God in so many ways and touched many lives. With Jesus as his foundation, he was the rock for his family and many others.
He is survived in life by his brother, Bill Hathcote. His legacy lives on through his wife, Lorraine (Ball) Hathcote of Sheridan; 9 children: John (Debra), Kyle (Kim), Shannon (Reeder Sams), Shelly, Andrea (Rodney Cheek), Kelly (James Rolan), Erin (Mike Pekrul), Matt (Julie) and Mark (Andie); 26 grandchildren: Taylor, Cole, Hayden, Tanner, Riley, Ivan, Charli, Morgan, Lillie Claire, Lila Pearl, Lexi, Tatianna, Jacob, Deondre, Vanessa, Jakobe, Ava, Michael, Jack, Hannah Lou, Brinkley, Hunts, Silas, Henry, Hoyt and Sawyer.
He will be forever missed by us on earth. His memory will be cherished and a blessing until we ''see you in paradise''. Our family rejoices as we celebrate the life of Steve Hathcote.
Friends may greet the family at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock on Tuesday November 21, 2017 from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade or to someone in need in the name of Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
I’d say Condolences to the family. But I know how Coach raised his children. So Congratulations your loved one got a new body with Christ in Heaven.
“Who loves you son,†Coach asked a skinny, blonde haired, 13 yr old, as he hugged me on a daily basis. I‘d reply, “you do coach.â€
“Thats right and so does Jesusâ€, Coach would reply as my 7th grade teacher. If you close your eyes and imagine which teachers made the biggest impact on your lives as a child, the one thing you find they all had in common is we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt they loved us.
Teachers like Steve were a rarity. We usually only have 1 or 2 in a lifetime. Coach might come in the classroom and jump up on top of the desk or juggle for us. Whatever it took to entertain us and make learning fun. Can’t remember what I learned from him about History. But I’ll never forget what he taught me about Faith, Compassion and Christ.
He never “lit me up†with a paddle, which he was a legend for and we needed more of. But he lit my heart up with an understanding you teach and change young people foremost with Love. The kind of Love he reminded us Jesus had died on the cross for us.
Sorry I missed you Coach. I’m 2 years to late. I’ll see you again Brother, NO DOUBT, across Jordan.
never got to realy thank him for what he has taught me as a person. on the football field my nickname was blue eyes or Cinderella. coach was an awesome person i will truly miss him thank you coach
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hathcote family. So Sorry for your loss. What a Legacy Coach left, one of a kind.
Both of our girls spent lots of time at your house and enjoyed every moment, best of memories from their younger days.
We love you all, and know that we are thinking of you all.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the times I was able to meet John when he visited Mount Olive Baptist Church in NC. Andrea, we are praying for you and all your family.
Mr. Hathcote was always mowing his grass when Lorraine and he lived on Col. Glenn. Personally I didn't know him but I did talk to Lorraine on occasion. Their home was so beautiful and Lorraine was always working and being a great mom. I am so sorry for the loss of a husband and a dad.
I didn't know Mr. Hathcote personally, but I did see him at our annual Church picnic, playing horseshoes with his son. He was so full of joy. I can see how his commitment to the Lord has impacted his family and though I know that they are mourning his loss. There is incredible joy and peace that comes from knowing that his spirit resides with Christ. The Hathcote family is in our prayers. Love - The Quinn Family
I'm so sorry for you loss.
Praying for all of yall
He never failed to make things fun at Joe T Robinson school, for us kids. He was an excellent coach and teacher, tough on us when he thought we needed "tough", but he knew we needed to smile and laugh, and he did that every day. His smile was infectious, his ability to challenge your mind was awesome, and his love of life and the fun and joy made high school bearable. I may not remember much about any class I took, but I DO remember the most important thing he showed us all, and the lesson I learned from him. Have faith in yourself, push yourself to be better, and enjoy life and always have a smile and a kind word for everyone around you.
What a remarkable man Coach Hathcote was. Never had a mean word to say about anyone and always had a smile. So enjoyed being in Teens for Christ club lead by him in school.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
Rest in Peace Coach Hathcote!!
Condolences to the Hathcote family. Steve was great person, would do anything for you, and was a joy to coach with.
Lorraine, Bill and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Steve was definitely one of a kind and fun to be around. We always enjoyed tales of Steve and Bill's adventures in high school and beyond. We know he will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Coach Hathcote was one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had. He touched SEVERAL generations of people and made a true difference in the world. Rest In Love Coach. Prayers to the family.
Prayers go out to the family am so sorry for your loss
I was privileged to have Mr Hathcote as a teacher for Civics at JA Fair. He was awesome and always helped everyone the best way he could hiwevervhe could
God Bless him heaven gained am angel
What a wonderful man!! He influenced some many of our lives as a coach, teacher and someone we could always go to!! He is a great role mode and will be deeply missed.
I had the pleasure of being a student under this great man at Joe T. Robinson High School. Coach will be missed. I have lasting memories of the wisdom he shared. He was a friend to everyone.
Prayers to the family. May you be comforted in knowing that this man you shared with others was deeply loved. God bless you.
Thank you for being peace in a storm.
My prayers go out to each of Coach Hathcote’s family members. May you be surrounded with peace & comfort as you grieve your loss but also as you celebrate his life!!! I am a former student from Robinson’s Class of 1975 & have some good memories of Coach! In Christ’s Love, Anita Heard Brown
I haven’t the gift of words to describe how much I loved “Coach”. I was a Teacher’s Aide for a year during 1 of my free periods during the day and there was never a dull moment or time when everyone in his class wasn’t smiling and listening to him as if they were listening to their own loved one tell them a story. I’m very blessed to have known him most of my life and will always remember him and smile. Something that everyone that knew him knew as well , was the amazing love and adoration he had for his family , God and for the love he showed his “other kids” he taught , helped and/or coached. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. He will live forever through the many lives he created and touched. ❤️
RIP COACH HATHCOTE💙
You will truly be missed but never forgotten. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Rih Coach Hathcoate.
Coach Hathcote added to the great memories that involved my walk about Joe T Robinson. Humorous, Kind and an Educator all wrapped up with a great smile. The picture is certainly how I do and will remember him always. Condolences and prayers Hathcote Family.
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
My thoughts and prayers for your family. Coach Hathcote had such a great influence on my life.
Steve Lynch
Thoughts and prayers for Coach Hathcote's family. He will be greatly missed. Coach and Mrs. Lorraine left a legacy that will continue for many generations to come. God bless all of you.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this time. A lot of memories over the years as our children were growing up. Kathy Metz
Lorraine and family: You are all in my prayers. I know the Lord will heal your sadness. Lean on Him, family and friends. Treasure the memories. Steve was one of a kind and loved by many. God Bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. I had coach as a teacher at Joe T. in the early 1990’s. He was a kind, sweet and funny man, definitely one of my favorite teachers! He always talked about his family with such love and adoration.
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4
(3) "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. (4)
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Steve will be greatly missed by my boys and me. We thoroughly his visits and will especially remember all the laughs we had. He was a great man and an awesome cousin.
Thoughts & prayers to the family of Coach Hathcofe. He was a great coach & a good man.
Thank you Coach for all the wonderful memories you gave not only myself but countless other students during our years at school. You were truly 1 of greatest teachers & ur spirit could light up a room. Many continued prayers to the Hathcote family... your Dad was truly 1 of a kind that will be dearly missed.
What a wonderful teacher he was! I loved his craziness! He had a way with all of us kids..although he could be stern and have a firm hand..he was so very gentle in words and had such a kind Christian heart. So truly sad to see such a great man leave this world. Rest in peace Coach.
May God provide peace and comfort to all family and friends.
Many prayers and sweet thoughts to the Hathcote family. Coach Hathcote was such a joy and enriched so many lives. His joyful heart and great attitude will be remembered by the many lives he touched.
My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Hathcotes Family and Friends during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
You added many good memories to our high school years. Thanks for all the laughs❤️ Peace and love to your family. Rest In Peace Coach❤️