George David Hathcoat of Arkadelphia, stood proudly with Jesus on July 21, 2018.  David entered this world on May 19, 1943, in Emmett, Arkansas, son of the late M.G. and Birdie Clark Hathcoat.  He spent a remarkable half-century serving and protecting our country and community, and a lifetime filling our lives with love, friendship and generous storytelling.

David will be greatly missed by a family that adores him.  He is survived by his cherished wife and best friend of 23 years, Cathy White Hathcoat; four sons: Michael (Jamie) Hathcoat, Shawn (Alice) Hathcoat, Jason Hathcoat, and Scott (Tara) Hathcoat; two daughters: Amanda Ronan, and Becky (Jason) Selle; ten grandchildren: Robby Hathcoat, Jesse Hathcoat, Trevor Harris, Tanner Harris, Torey Hathcoat, Tyler Hathcoat, Rachel Ronan, Reed Ronan, Avery Selle, and Eliza Selle; two great-grandchildren: Liam Hathcoat and Jade Hathcoat; siblings: Danny (Peggy) Hathcoat, Leon (Pam) Hathcoat, Joyce Helms, Rita (Danny) Roe, Wonda (Dickie Don) Clark, and Betty (Randy) Calley.  David was preceded in death by both of his parents, an infant sister, Virginia Hathcoat, and late wife Judy Nilz Hathcoat.

After graduating from Arkadelphia High School in May of 1961, David took his first step toward a life of service and enlisted with the U.S. Navy.  He was stationed in San Diego, California, and then transferred to the destroyer, USS Hull, where he served for 3 years in the Gunnery Division.  David was on board the Hull in October 1962, when President John F. Kennedy deployed the destroyer to escort ships from the Pacific Fleet during the Cuban missile crisis.  The Hull also played an important role in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War by firing upon an attacking Vietnamese ship.  David received a commendation years later from the Republic of China when their Ambassador visited Little Rock.

When David returned home to Arkadelphia in 1965, he spent time building boats and working in construction, and even helped build a portion of Interstate 30 during a stint with the Arkansas Highway Department.   In 1967, he received a call from the Arkadelphia police chief that would fulfill a childhood dream of his…to be a policeman.  David worked for the Arkadelphia Police Department for ten years, working his way up in the ranks to Corporal.  He then joined the Arkansas State Police, where he served for the next twenty years.  David loved being a State Trooper, even when in extreme danger.  In 1982, he was involved in a high-speed chase near Mena, with a murderer holding a hostage.  Multiple bullets pierced David's vehicle but he never gave up until the young hostage was safe and the suspect was in custody.  His acts of courage earned him the prestigious Medal of Valor, and a television segment on "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol".   In 1992, he was involved in another violent hostage situation at Petit Jean Poultry, and was awarded a commendation for his acts of bravery in apprehending the suspect.

He retired from the Arkansas State Police in 1996, but wasn't quite ready to hang up his handcuffs, so he went to work as a Deputy with the Clark County Sheriff's Department.  The sixteen years spent with the Sheriff's Office were the ones that truly polished off his already shining law enforcement career.  He served as a patrolman, prisoner chauffer, and his grand finale as Bailiff for the Circuit Court.  He was highly respected in the courtroom and community, and was affectionately known by much of his family in blue as "Pappaw".   A great teller of tales, he spent many hours following his retirement simply visiting with family and dear friends replaying a lifetime of selfless service, friendship and memories that will live forever.

David was a member of Third Street Baptist Church, Christian Motorcycle Association, American Legion, the DAV, and Past Master of Masonic Lodge #381.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 26th at Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, with Bro. Greg Lathem officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, at the church.

Interment will be private ceremony with full honors by the Arkansas State Police Honor Guard.

Honorary pallbearers are members past and present of the Arkadelphia Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and Clark County Sheriff's Department.

Memorials may be made to Third Street Baptist Church or Smyrna Cemetery Fund.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.