GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- Joe S. Hatfield, co-founder, president and CEO of Fieldale Farms, died June 21 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 84.
Mr. Hatfield began his career in the poultry industry in 1947 with the Wilson Meat Packing Co. of Chicago after graduating from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture. In 1951, he moved to Gainesville, Ga., as vice president of Georgia Broilers, and in 1957, he, along with other investors, purchased Gainesville Fryer Co.and was named its president.
The company was sold to the Ralson Purina Co. in 1962 and Mr. Hatfield remained a division manager. In 1972, he and two partners, Lee and Tom Arrendale, purchased the poultry division of Ralston Purina Co. and launched Fieldale Farms Corp.
The Fieldale name comes from a combination of the partners' names, Hatfield and Arrendale.
The company has since grown to be the largest employer in Northeast Georgia with nearly 5,000 employees in 18 facilities and 750 farms within a 50-mile radius of Baldiwn, Ga., the company's headquarters.
Mr. Hatfield served as chairman of the National Broiler Council, now the National Chicken Council, and was a life member of the council's board of directors.
He also was twice named to USDA and U.S. trade representative's export policy advisory commissions.
"Joe Hatfield was one of the true giants of the broiler industry," said George Watts, NCC president.
"He was one of the leaders in the development of the modern industry in coordination of all aspects of production and processing, or product innovation and the use of a brand name as a sign of quality assurance," Watts said. "Most of all, Joe Hatfield was a man of integrity and quiet common sense who helped his company and the industry meet many challenges over the years."
Mr. Hatfield was a major contributor to the United Way, Brenau University, Lakeview Academy and the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He was also chairman of the Hall County Hospital Authority for a number of years.
Survivors include his wife, Carrie McClain Hatfield; son, Joe Hatfield of Clarkesville, Ga.; daughter, Betty Goldberg of Gainesville; a sister, Jennie Lewis of Birmingham, Ala.; and 3 grandchildren.
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