J.W. Hoatland, 75, passed away on February 20. 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Raymond, MS. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Tangipahoa Baptist Church Cemetery in Summit, MS.

J.W. was born on March 5, 1947 in Tylertown, MS. He graduated from Tylertown High School. After high school, he joined the Marines, served in Vietnam and retired from the Army Reserves. He served as security and retired from both Hinds Community College and Millsaps College. J.W. was a member of Eagle Ridge Community Church in Raymond. He was a mason and served as Past Master and recently as the treasurer. He was Grand Grandfather for the Grand Assembly of the State of Mississippi for Rainbow Girls. He was also Past Worthy Patron for Eastern Star Clinton Chapter.

J.W. was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Noah Hoatland; his son, Ward Lancaster; his mother, Sarah Cleotha Barnes Hoatland; and his brother, Butch Hoatland.

He is survived by his daughters, Lorna (Perry) Jackson and Karen (Paul) Dever; his sisters, Joe Ann Rimes and Shirley (Darryl) Hunkapillar; his grandchildren, Brian Dever, Jeremy Holloway, John Owen Dever, Dylan Jackson and Carlie Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.