Elder Billy Ray Hatch was born June 11th, 1931 in Crockett, Texas, to the parentage of Theodore Hatch and Adriane Lovelady. He departed this life on May 29th, 2015. He was the first of five children. He graduated from the Crockett Public School System, then, matriculated through Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. While attending college he was drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Korean War.
He was joined in wedlock with Ms. Naomi Cameron on October 10, 1970. He was saved under the pastorage if the late Elder Cleophus Cameron in Waco, Texas. He served faithfully under the late Elder Wesley Burks until he was called to begin his own ministry in 1977 known as the Life Temple Church. He was the pastor there until his passing. Many souls accepted Christ under his ministry.
Preceding him in death were his Father, his Mother, and four brothers.
Pastor B.R. Hatch will be remembered by his wife of forty five years Naomi Hatch; along with children Navonia (Dennis), Nancy (Kenneth), Robert. He leaves five grandchildren , 14 great grandchildren, and a host of many other relatives and friends. He was attended throughout his illness by two of his nephews Gerald Hatch (Rosie), and Curtis Mitchell.