George Hatcher

George "Jokie" Hatcher Sr., finished his earthly journey on August 26, 2026, at the age of 92 years old, after a short illness. George was born on March 15, 1934to Willie Eugene Sr., and Ponner Hatcher, here in Cleveland, Ohio. To this union George was the youngest son of ten siblings.

George received his formal education from the Cleveland Public Schools. After high school, he made the decision to join the Ohio National Guards, where he served his country for two years, later receiving an honorable discharge. Upon returning to civil life, he joined his father and became gainfully employed with Jones and Laughlin Steel Mill. As a trades man George retired after 38 years of service in which he received his "gold" wristwatch, symbolizing his employer respect and acknowledgement for George's 38years as a resolute employee within the steel mill industry.

At an early age, George dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized by the late Reverend William Carr at the Church of the Living God, CWFF. Like most young people today and yesterday there comes time, when we want to explore life on our own. As a result, George converted to Islam, where he was later known Brother George X. As a member of the Islamic Faith, he practiced and lived his life according to the Islamic teachings, while attending Temple 18.

While working fulltime, he was dedicated to the Islamic faith and teachings. He would find time to sale the Muhammad Speak newspaper, not to mention he was one of the best dressed brothers within the Mosque. George would make sure that his family members received their weekly Muhammad Speak newspaper, but one thing about George he was respectful, and never forced his beliefs onto others, instead he would talk about the various articles included in the Muhammad Speak in a way that it would make you do a lot of critical thinking about the state of our nation.

George was a quiet, yet reserved man, he cut the apron string with his mother and fell in love with his Burma Billy (Thomas) who was also Muslim. Because of the love the two shared, they were united in Holy Matrimony, July 15, 1955. Like his father, George took on the role not only as a loving husband, but as a loving father to Veronica, Henry, David, and Angie. Later the family began to grow adding Malachi, Adrianne, Marcia, Robert, and George Leo. Burma was a loving life and mother, who loved George and George loved Burma.

George was known for his gentle spirit, his expensive taste for dressing to the max and his love as a xylophone player. When he got into the zone, he could make the keys dance to his beat. He would spend hours playing xylophone. He loved jazz and would listen to musicians like Herbie Hancock, Jimmie Smith and Thelonius Monk just to name of few of his max. When his birthdays would roll around everyone knew that he loved to received albums produced by jazz musicians. George loved Pierre's vanilla ice cream. Whenever he visited his mother or sister Thelma, he would always stop by the store and pick up his favorite delicacies to enjoy while sitting on the front porch of his childhood home.

Like the song by Marvin Sapp, "He saw the best in me", George, found the good in every situation and everyone. If you knew George, you knew his favorite mantra that he lived by "Peace and Goodwill."

George was preceded in death by his loving wife Burma, his parents, Willie and Ponner, his children Henry, David, Angie, Malachi, Adrianne, and his nine siblings. He is survived by his children Veronica, Marcia, Robert and George Leo. Grandchildren's Names; Frederick, Lorenzo, LaShonda, Aliyah, Fatima, Michael, Omar, Danielle, Monique, Kiesha, Raquetta, Jalel Raheem, Charity, Kierra, Zionnica, Robert II, Dazasia, George Jr., Alyssa, Byron, Madison, Alexis, Marshawn, and Mason_, 26 Great-Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.