James Robert Hattaway, Jr., age 69, of Demorest, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.

Born December 4, 1952, in Sparta, GA, he was the son of the late James R. Hattaway, Sr. and Elizabeth Amerson Hattaway. He began his work career at the age of seven at the local convenience store. He would go on to own and operate that store for many years. He was a local legend in the Sparta community and prior to retirement he owned and operated Hattaway Furniture. He will be remembered as a savvy businessman, a loving husband, and a devoted father and grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years: Jan Burgamy Hattaway; children: Beth (Rodney) Atha and Bobby (Amanda) Hattaway; sisters: Vicki (Donnie) Morgan and Jackie (Van) Goodnough; brother-in-law: Henry Stephens; grandchildren: Courtney Brown, Drew (Hallie) Atha, Chandler Hattaway, Austin Atha, and Jaxon Hattaway; great-grandchildren: Westin Majors and Brooklyn Majors; and his faithful canine companion: Buddy Sam. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister: Mary Jane Stephens.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2022 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 7359 Hamburg State Park Road, Mitchell, GA 30820. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Austin Atha, Drew Atha, Greg Burgamy, Eric Goodnough, Josh Goodnough, Chandler Hattaway, and Rob Stephens. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the service.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com.