The staff of Hatmaker Funeral Home has worked hard to earn a reputation of helping families during one of life's most difficult transitions. We know the pain of losing a loved one and are here to walk this journey with you, as well as help with the healing process. Our caring staff pays careful attention to your wishes, helping you to honor and celebrate your loved one as we walk with you during this most difficult time. Our staff is here to provide help and support to each family we serve. Our priority is to make this difficult time as easy as possible. We have a special place in our hearts for caring for the living and your loved one. Our staff will personally take care of all funeral details, regardless of location. The Hatmaker Funeral Home staff is active in the Lake City community and the local area.
Owner/Funeral Director & Embalmer
Stan is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He has been with the funeral home since 2001. Stan is originally from Lake City, but currently resides in Norris with his wife, Becky O'Keefe Hatmaker. He enjoys working, auto racing, and is a member of the St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton. Stan graduated from Lake City High School in 1975, Hiwassee College in 1979 with an Associates Degree in Business, Lincoln Memorial University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Management, and also John A. Gupton College in Nashville in 2001 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and Knights of Columbus. He is Past President of the John A. Gupton Alumni Assocation, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for John A. Gupton College.
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Benjamin Tyler Owens is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. He has been with the funeral home since August 2014. Tyler is married to Britney and they have one son, Gatlin Sterling. Tyler and his wife currently reside in Lake City. He is a 2016 graduate of John A. Gupton Mortuary School in Nashville, TN with a degree in Mortuary Science. Tyler enjoys being outdoor in the mountains and spending time with his family.
Funeral Director
Britney Owens is a licensed Funeral Director. Se has been with the funeral home since 2010. Britney is married to Tyler. Together they have one son, Gatlin Sterling, and two dogs, Duke and Duchess. Britney and her husband currently reside in Lake City. Britney attended John A. Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, Tennessee in 2016. Britney enjoys being outdoors with her family and her dogs, as well as spending time with her family.
Office Administrator / Funeral Assistant
Randy Smiddy is an office and funeral assistant. He is the grandson of the late Rev. Warner Hawkins. Randy has been with the funeral home since March 2017. He is married to the love of his life, Becky. Randy has been a member of Shultz Hollow Baptist Church since 1984 and is currently the song leader. He graduated from Anderson County High School in 1992. Before he graduated, he did an early enlistment in the U.S. Army and served until July 1995. Randy enjoys singing gospel/ bluegrass gospel music and playing multiple instruments with his family gospel group.
Office Administrator / Funeral Assistant
Katelyn Copeland is an office administrator and funeral assistant here at Hatmaker’s. She is married to Zach Copeland. Together they have one son, Mason. Katelyn and her husband currently reside in Andersonville. Katelyn has an associates in business management and plans to further her education in mortuary science. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors with her son, and singing in church. She is very grateful to be able to assist families in such difficult times.
Greeter
Known to locals as Pearl, Madeline Pearl Hatmaker is our faithful greeter here at the funeral home. Pearl was born in September of 2021. She loves children and people. She is in training to become a comfort dog for grieving families. She never meets a stranger. Pearl spends her free time in Norris loved by her owners, Stan and Becky Hatmaker, and anyone who meets her.
2002-2016
Fiona Rose Hatmaker was a faithful greeter here at the funeral home. She never met a stranger. Rose was with the funeral home for 14 years. She was a rescue animal from Kingston, Tennessee. Rose spent her life in Norris and was a full blooded black lab loved by her owners, Stan and Becky Hatmaker, and anyone who met her.
Retired
Robert Hendren is a funeral assistant. He has been with the funeral home since 1998. Robert grew up in the Pine Hill Community but currently resides in Caryville with his wife, Carolyn Jennings Hendren. He has three children, Darren Hendren, Terrell Hendren, and Deanna Lowe. Robert also has four grandchildren and one great grandson. Robert has been a member of the Pine Hill Baptist Church for over 60 years and is currently serving as deacon and song leader. He graduated from Lake City High School in 1955 and attended the University of Tennessee and Knoxville Business College. Robert enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, going to church, camping, and gardening. He retired from ORNL after 33 years and also retired from the United States Army with 22 years of active and reserve service to our nation. Robert is a member of the Crystal Masonic Lodge #616, NWTF, and RMEF.
Retired
Tom Byrge is a funeral assistant. He has been with the funeral home since 2009. Tom is married to his wife of over 50 years, Minnie Braden Byrge. They have two children, Thomas Byrge Jr. and Millie Arender. He has eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Tom graduated from Lake City High School in 1957, William Carey College in 1981, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1983. He retired from the United States Air Force with 22 years of active service to our nation. Tom is a member of the Clinch River Baptist Church in Lake City where he served as minister for 21 ½ years and is currently serving as the Clinton Baptist Association Director of Missions. He was pastor of Graceland Baptist Church in Vancleave, Mississippi for 8 years and interim pastor of Edgemore Baptist Church for 2 years. Tom and his wife, Minnie currently reside in Lake City.