CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

SPRING, W.Va. (AP) — Former Mingo County Sheriff Tennis H. Hatfield, of Sprigg, West Virginia, died Sunday at the age of 88.

Hatfield graduated from Matewan High School in 1954 and attended Pikeville College on an athletic scholarship. He began his professional career as a teacher at Sprigg Grade School before transitioning into radio. He worked for many years as a sales representative, DJ, and sports announcer at WHJC in Matewan, WBTH, and WXCC in Williamson.

Hatfield’s public service career included several elected positions. He served in the West Virginia Legislature as a member of the House of Delegates, completed two terms as Mingo County Circuit Clerk, and was honored as Democrat of the Year in 1996.

In 1996, Hatfield was elected Sheriff of Mingo County and was re-elected for a second term. His outstanding service to the citizens of Mingo County and the State of West Virginia was recognized by the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association with the Board of Directors Service Award on Sept. 20, 2004.