Earl Richard Hatcliff, 73, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 11, 2010 after a short illness. He was born to Ralph and Hattie (Bruch) Hatcliff in Independence, Kan., and was raised in the community of Big Cove, Cherokee, N.C. After high school, Earl enlisted in the US Navy where he served as an aircraft mechanic. He was awarded a Gallantry Cross with Palm and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam. Earl retired from the Navy after 20 years of service and then worked as the night supervisor at the Norwester Club on NAS Whidbey Island.

Earl loved the Navy and his country. He regularly attended the HA(L) 3 Seawolf Association reunions. He loved many things: fishing, crabbing, camping, wildlife, talking to people and reading westerns. Earl loved his family, his friends and God. He always enjoyed bringing a smile to people. He will be missed by all who loved him and knew him.

Earl is survived by his wife Lydia and daughter, Trisha Hatcliff of Roseville, Calif., son, E. Richard Hatcliff II of Merritt Island, Fla., one brother, Winston Hatcliff of Georgetown, Ky., and six stepdaughters, Sonia Vicente, Luz Angulo, Shirley Seymour, Remy Dolojan, Elsa Angulo and Gloria Angulo. There are many grandchildren, two great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel. Burial with Military Honors followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Family and friends may go on line at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a register and leave memories for the family.