J.B. Hathaway Jr. joined the heavenly angels after a remarkable 90-year life journey on Feb. 26, 2018. He was reunited with Laura Ann, his beloved wife of 67 years, who passed away last November.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, March 3, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Austin, 1201 Lavaca St.

J.B. Hathaway lived a life centered around family, faith and service. He modeled kindness and grace, and was a fighter to the end, even while battling dementia. He also never lost his sense of fun and playfulness. He had a sweet spirit, but could display a devilish sense of humor.

Survivors include a sister, Annabelle Turner of Katy; four children and their spouses: Ben and Barbara Hathaway of Austin, Jan and Ronnie Sellers of Warren, John and Sara Hathaway of Austin, and Jill and Lester Phipps of Rosenberg; seven grandchildren: Melissa (and Dan) Russell, Alan Kirby (and Olivia), Joey (and Emily) Hathaway, Laurie (and Justin) Wang, Dr. Katie (and Jesse) Ochoa, Amy Hathaway and Jack Hathaway; six great-grandchildren; a nephew, David (and Vonda) Turner of Katy, a niece, Cheryl (and James) Roy of Hemphill; as well as cousins and other loved ones.

John Benjamin Hathaway Jr. was born June 30, 1927, in Port Arthur, to J.B. (Ben) and Mabel Gee Hathaway. He had two older sisters, Mary Eleanor, who preceded him in death, and Annabelle.

J.B. graduated from high school early in order to serve his country during World War II, but the war ended shortly after he enlisted. He went on to serve two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy, the latter during the Korean War.

He attended the University of Texas and proudly wore his UT/Masonic ring all his life. He was a member of the Silver Spurs, with the honor of caring for Bevo. But the simple fact that he owned a car would change his life. A friend asked him to go on a blind double date to a Methodist student event — and provide transportation. J.B. didn’t know what was coming when he met his date, a pretty, spirited sorority girl. But Laura Ann Jenkins had a pretty good idea from the start. After three weeks, she told her mother she was going to marry that handsome young man. And that was the beginning of a lifelong love affair.

J.B. and Laura Ann were married on Aug. 13, 1950, and settled in Port Arthur. J.B., who had earned a business degree from UT, operated Hathaway’s Grocery, along with his father. They gave generously to their community and were always willing to lend a helping hand. He later had a distinguished career in life insurance, as a Chartered Life Underwriter, working with Lincoln National. His success in sales provided many enjoyable trips for him and Laura Ann. They were also committed to volunteer work — he with organizations such as the Kiwanis Club — and to leadership roles at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. They enjoyed their bridge club with dear friends, and cherished family gatherings at the beach (the noisier the better!).

The couple moved to Austin in 2009. Their family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Brookdale Beckett Meadows for their compassionate care and kindness. J.B.’s children and grandchildren continue to feel his loving presence from Heaven, where he is holding hands and dancing with his beautiful bride.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or First United Methodist Church of Austin (1201 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701).

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX  512/442-1446.  You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com.