Rodney B. Hathorn

Rodney Buford Hathorn, 76, of Arlington, Georgia, passed away on August 2, 2023. Rodney was born in Dothan, Alabama on October 22, 1946 to Buford Hathorn and Nell Cook. Rodney graduated from Baker County High School before going on to serve in The U.S. Air Force. He served in Korea during the Vietnam War. In 1974, Rodney fell in love with Debra Newberry— they met in August and were married in October. They were together for 48 years. They went on to have three sons: Stuart, Vic, and Jay. Some of Rodney’s favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and playing with his grandchildren who were one of his greatest joys. He was often seen in the stands cheering on his sons, and later, his grandchildren at sporting events. Many days, you could find him on a lawn mower. While occasionally a grump, he really had a heart of gold. Some of his family’s favorite memories of him center around UGA football, both watching at home or at tailgates in Athens. While Vic and Jay attended the University of Georgia, there were many years in which he didn’t miss a home game or the chance to see his boys. Rodney was preceded in death by his father Buford Hathorn, mother Nell Cook, stepfather Charles Cook, father-in-law Tommy Newberry, as well as his brother, John Hathorn, brother-in-law Paschal Brooks, and his son, Stuart Hathorn. He is survived by his wife, Debra Hathorn, as well as sons Vic Hathorn (Chelsea), Jay Hathorn (Ashley), and daughter-in-law Lynn Hathorn; grandchildren, Mac Hathorn, John William Hathorn, Sadie Hathorn, Ford Hathorn, and Chloe Huckaby; and one great-grandchild, Lucas Huckaby. He is also survived by siblings Michael Cook (Carla), Anita Carver (Randy), mother-in-law Ann Newberry, sister-in-law Kay Brooks Hatfield (Tracy), brother-in-laws Tom Newberry (Joy) and Mark Newberry as well as many nieces and nephews who he thought of as his own. Visitation will take place at Burning Bush Ministries from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, August 4, 2023 with graveside services beginning Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11 am. David Hendrickson, Kevin Cook, Nathan Collins, Chase Brooks, John Spence, and Matt Dalrymple will serve as pallbearers. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to Burning Bush Ministries, 575 Retreat Road, Arlington, GA 39813.