Ernest Lee Hatmaker-age 78 of Sharps Chapel went to be with the Lord, Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025, at the Willow Ridge Center. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Sharps Chapel for over 40 years and a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1965. He was a retired employee of Robert Shaw Controls, Knoxville. Preceded in death by his parents, Ucher Claude and Frances (Kelly) Hatmaker; several brother and sisters and their spouses.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lorrene (Brooks) Hatmaker; son, Ernie Hatmaker and wife, Selena; daughter, Tonya Hatmaker; granddaughters, Sheridan Hatmaker, Sophia Hatmaker; grandson, Ernest Hatmaker, III; brother, David C. Hatmaker and wife, Janet all of Sharps Chapel; sister, Imogene Domingo of Florida and several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. Friday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Randy Moore officiating with music by Diane Lay. Interment 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Bridges Cemetery, Sharps Chapel. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, to go with the procession. Pallbearers: Ernest Hatmaker, III, Jason Brantley, Hunter Brantley, Keith Hatmaker, Ricky Brantley, Kevin Brantley. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell mortuary, Maynardville.