Theodore "Ted" Milfred Hatfield

Theodore “Ted” Milfred Hatfield, age 87 passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Tennova North. He was a resident of Halls since 1998.

At 12, long before child labor laws, Ted worked for the local movie theatre in Hot Springs, AR. Hot Springs was a neutral vacation spot for the East and West Coast mobsters. Ted held seats for Owney Madden (a co-founder of NY’s Cotton Club.) Owney and his henchmen took their seats and flipped Ted $5 each time.  His salary was $0.35 an hour. The gangsters ran the clubs and invited Ted to see all the big acts of the time, like Tony Bennett, et al.

He worked with Elvis and anyone that came through the fabled gates. Eventually MGM sold out and became Sony “the home of jeopardy.”  Ted was there until Regal called and he and Carla happily moved to Halls Crossroads.

Ted represented Regal in the community and was a liaison between the community and Regal.  In fact, he would say Regal is based in Halls-Crossroads, not Knoxville. He was involved in politics and helped many candidates on their campaigns.   Ted served two terms as the republican State Executive Committeeman for District 6.  He was instrumental in getting one of the first major premiers in town “October Sky.” Many more followed and the last one he worked on was “Jack Reacher” the 2016 Tom Cruise film.  Tom actually remembered working with Ted on “Rainman.” He was a 52 year member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences... better known as the Oscars. 

He volunteered for many years with the boy scouts and was one of three members the kids had to appear before to get scout’s highest honor, “The Eagle Scout Award”. Ted’s five boys are all Eagle Scouts.

He was a projectionist at his Army base and his wife would get mad whenever they went to an event and would stand up to be recognized as a veteran. He said he was a morale booster for the troops to watch movies on the base.  Ted never drove while living in California…….well, maybe twice.

Preceded in death by parents; L. M. and Adele Hatfield; brothers, Jerry and Bob.

Survivors; wife, Carla Hatfield; children, Bob, Jim, Tom, Louie, John and Laura; Grandchildren, T.J., Faith and Annie; great-grandchild, Blaize; several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Time of Reflection from 4:30 p.m. til 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church 7535 Maynardville Highway Knoxville, TN 37938.  If you wish, you may make a donation to the Boy Scouts of America or Young Williams Animal Center.

Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.