James Lamar "Mark" Hatcher

RALEIGH – James Lamar “Mark” Hatcher (born November 3, 1942) of Raleigh, NC died on March 16, 2023. He was born in Moultrie, Colquitt County, Georgia to the late Col (ret) H.B. Hatcher and Jewell Bracken Hatcher. He was married for 53 years to his beloved wife Alice Vicik who passed away in 2020. He is survived by his sister Mary E. Hatcher of Wilmington, NC and scores of cousins and other relatives.

As an Army “brat”, Mark lived in many places growing up, but never above the Mason-Dixon Line or west of the Mississippi River, except for two years in Japan. While studying at East Carolina University, he and Alice met playing bridge, and after leaving ECU, they made their life together in Raleigh, NC. Over the course of his professional career, he worked for RJ Reynolds, NC Department of Revenue, and as a comptroller in the billing department of the Smith Anderson law firm.

Early on, Mark and Alice became ardent supporters of the ECU football team and the Pirate Club, and were devoted supporters of Second Chance Pet Adoptions to honor their love for their cats. They developed a passion for downhill skiing, especially in the Rocky Mountains at Deer Valley, Utah and Aspen, Colorado, and even traveled overseas several times to ski.

A trip to Oregon started them on a lifelong love of photographing lighthouses, and their travels soon grew into a love of searching out and photographing covered bridges. He was a self-taught photographer and enjoyed sharing his expertise and photographs with others. Well into his life, Mark taught himself to play the guitar, and then he took up the banjo.

In lieu of a memorial service or flowers, contributions may be made to Second Chance Pet Adoptions, 6003 Chapel Hill Rd. Suite 133, Raleigh, NC 27607-5148; or Brinson Cemetery, Dothan Hwy, Brinson GA.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com