Carl Clifford Hathaway

Carl Clifford Hathaway, age 88, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on Dec. 12th, in the presence of loving family and caregivers. Born Sept. 16, 1923, Carl grew up in Commerce, Texas, the youngest son of William Chester and Mabel Fay (Madden) Hathaway.

Carl had a deep love for his country and was truly one of "The Greatest Generation". He valiantly served as a B-17 Pilot in WWII, on active duty from May, 1944 to Oct., 1945. He was a 1st Lt. Commanding Officer over his "ship" and 9-man crew in the Eighth Air Force, 379th "Grand Slam" Bomb Group. He completed 33 combat missions over occupied Europe. It would be a fitting tribute to honor Carl with a visit to his website @ http://www.carlhathaway.com/ .

In April, 1946, Carl married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Cagle. They both graduated in May, 1946 from East Texas State Teachers College, Commerce, Texas; Carl later earned a Bachelor and Masters degree from East Texas. He was in the education field, teaching in middle school and high school for six years.

In 1953, Carl and Betty moved to Dallas and began their career in the furniture industry, establishing their own retail business, Hathaway Cottage, in 1954. After several re-locations and a name change, Hathaway's Furniture was retired under the ownership of son, Bruce Hathaway.

Carl loved his golfing and snow skiing with family and friends. He loved his music and he loved singing with a number of Barbershop quartets and choruses, including the Internationally-famous Vocal Majority. Carl also loved his church. He and Betty were founding, active members of Midway Hills Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Dallas, since 1955.

Carl is preceded in death by his loving parents, a sister and two brothers. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 66 years, and three children: daughter Rebecca (Hathaway-Rittenberry) Lewis and son-in-law D.W., of Dallas, Texas; daughter Debra Hathaway of Boerne, Texas, and son Bruce Hathaway and daughter-in-law Lorna, of Dallas; by twelve grandchildren/step-grandchildren; eight great-grand children/great-step-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce. Carl will be laid to rest in a graveside ceremony @ 12:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17th, at Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce, Texas. The procession will leave the funeral home at Noon. Jim Hartt, brother-in-law, will be officiating. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at Emeritus @ Vickery Towers, Belmont and Greenville Ave., Dallas, @2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18th. Terry Zimmerman, Senior Minister of Midway Hills Christian Church, will preside.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the loving, caring staff at Loyds of Dallas and Compassionate Hands Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl's name to Midway Hills Christian Church, 1101 Midway Rd., Dallas, Texas, 75229.

He is gone from our sight; he has left our side, but will never leave our hearts. We will miss our devoted husband, father, grampaw, and friend. Fragrance of memories will forever remind us of his kindness, compassion and love. May his memory be for a blessing.

"You have fought the good fight,

You have finished the race

You have kept the faith

Henceforth, there is laid up for you

A crown of Righteousness"

II Timothy 4:7

Rest in peace, dear daddy.

( Psalm 4:8)