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Funeral service is Saturday for Bruce Hatfield, classic car buff and GOP Men's Club leader

Bruce Hatfield

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 21, 2025

Bruce Patrick Hatfield, who was active in antique and classic car clubs, served as the leader for many years of the Henderson County Republican Men's Club and in recent years, as a member of the Henderson County Planning Board, spoke against higher density development proposals, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 10, surrounded by his family. He was 77.

Bruce was born in Canton, Ohio, though he much preferred to tell friends he was a proud Texan. He graduated from The Ohio State University before earning his pharmacy degree from the University of Texas. While serving in the U.S. Army, he completed a master’s degree from Troy University. He proudly dedicated 28 years to his country, retiring with honor after a distinguished military career. After leaving the Army, Bruce ran a pharmacy staffing business in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Bruce was married to Dianne Hatfield for 43 years, and together they raised a loving family. He is survived by his children: Alyson Gillie (Joel) of Selma, NC; Mackenzie Cvelich (Michael) of Okinawa, Japan; and Cameron Hatfield (Maura Rigordaeva) of Sandwich, Mass.; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Campbell, Thomas, Anderson, Ruby and Mannix. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late William and Dolores Hatfield, and is survived by sisters Nancy Hatfield and Susan Holzheimer.

Bruce was deeply involved in his community. He was an active member of the Henderson County Republican Party, served as president and devoted member of the Transylvania Car Club and as a participant in the Henderson County antique tractor and motor club. He was a member of Hendersonville Presbyterian Church. On the Henderson County Planning Board, Hatfield in recent years had become a consistent voice questioning — and voting against — rezoning applications for high density development. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 538 Tracy Grove Road. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bruce Hatfield to the Emergency Response Fund at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church by calling (828) 692-3211, online at hendersonvillepc.org, or by clicking here.

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This news obit contains information from Forest Lawn Funeral Home.