Billy Wayne Hatley, 91, of Panama City FL, passed away on April 20, 2024, in Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Home. He was born on February 17, 1933, in Dike, Texas.

He was a career fighter pilot serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served his country for more than 21 years, retiring in 1975 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service in Vietnam, he earned three Distinguished Flying Cross Medals and the Air Medal.

Following retirement from the military service, he continued to fly. He flew for charter companies, Eastern Marine, State of Florida, and military contractors at Tyndall AFB. He finally retired and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his brothers at the farmhouse where they grew up in Dike Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jasper Lee and Gladys Lucille (McDonald) Hatley, brother Jimmy D. Hatley of Alvin Texas, and brother Dr. Donald W. Hatley of Natchitoches, LA.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maria "Rida" Davis Hatley of Panama City, FL and daughter, Stacy Lynn Hatley of St. Petersburg, FL.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4  in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial, with full military honors, will be held at the Air Force Academy cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to donate may do so to the charity of their choice in memory of Billy W. Hatley.