Mr. Johnny John Hatcher 34, transitioned with his mother at his side in Shelby, NC on April 22, 2024, at Atrium Health Cleveland. Johnny was born on July 7, 1989 in Harlem, New York to Veronica Hatcher Franklin and Anthony Franklin (and biological Father, Johnny Crawford). He grew up in Shelby, NC along with parents and six siblings. He graduated from Shelby High School in 2008 and received his Bachelor of Social Work at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. Upon graduating college, Johnny was passionate about working with at-risk youth in many capacities; first as a Teacher, Social Worker and Qualified Professional for the last decade. He often dedicated his time to the continual growth of athlete’s skill set and professional development through the world of basketball. He served as basketball coach for 15 years within the Cleveland County and Stanley County school system and for various AAU basketball teams across the State of North Carolina. Summer of 2014, Johnny also known as Big Sugar began his early journey as a stand-up comedian at the Comedy Zone for several years, recently started “Big Sugars and Sqank Production '' and within the continuous spotlight led to emceeing and hosting a multitude of events for the Shelby community. Johnny brought a vibrant smile to every room he entered and he served his purpose by bringing joy to others. Alongside Big Sugar’s comedian career, he was the business owner of ' ‘Hatcher’s Playhouse LLC,” established in 2021, providing families with the best experiences for their events. Throughout his life and legacy, Johnny has never met a stranger. Johnny has been a light in many lives, known and unknown. In 34 years, Johnny lived, loved, and walked in God’s purpose for him. Because of his imprint, his light will forever live on.
Johnny leaves to cherish his fond memories to his parents; Veronica and Anthony Franklin of Shelby, NC; fiancée, Chasity Allen; and children, Ariel Allen, T. Ezekiel Allen of Concord, NC; his two brothers Anthony Franklin (LaKendra) of Killen,Texas and Damion Webster (Haley) of Shelby, NC; his sisters, Rontonette, Dynasty and Destiny Franklin from Shelby, NC and bonus sister Katrina Buckner of Bronx, NY (and a host of brothers and sisters from New York on his paternal side.)
He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Esther Hatcher (Shelby) and Warren Webster (Trenton, NJ); great aunts, Sherise Armstrong aka “MawMaw,”, Constance Hatcher of Brooklyn, NY and great uncle Clesther Hatcher (Juanita) of Bronx, NY; lastly his five nephews, Anthony, Logan, Avery Franklin and Dycen Stroud and his three nieces Kobi, Nola and Dami Webster.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Shiloh Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon on Tuesday and at other times at 804 Surry Drive Shelby.
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Johnny while at DSS. Johnny had an unselfish desire to work with children in need in order to help better their lives. Mr. Hatchers passing is a huge loss for the community as a whole. My condolences to the family and close friend of Johnny.
- na
Johnny will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. R I P, you will always be remembered and loved Lewis & Renew Bradshaw
- na
Mr. Hatcher will be remembered by the staff and students at Mallard Creek STEM Academy for his dedication, kindness and humor. He will be missed. With sympathy and love, Staff & Students @ MCSA
- Mallard Creek STEM Academy
There are absolutely no words to express the sadness we all feel at this time. these words are not for Johnny AKA Big Suga these words are for everyone else. This man lived his life with such Big, Beautiful,Powerful and Infectious Energy we will be doing him a great disservice by crying tears of sadness when this is a home going and the absolute time to celebrate his life and his legacy his uncanny ability to bring a smile to anyone's face we will dearly miss you nephew but we will never say goodbye only see you later.❤️❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔💔💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🎉🎉🎉
- na
More than my friend my brother. Glad I got to see you one last time before God called you home. We got the opportunity to tell each other we loved each other before I left. I'm going to miss you dearly. Do your christian comedy up there. Proud of the man you became. Thank you for being a great friend. I don't know if you knew how many lives you touched. Get your rest. I send my prayers and deepest condolences to the family and love ones. "John 11:25-26" Love Mike
- na
-
R.I.P BIG SHUG. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW YOU. MR & MRS MICHEAL LEE GOOLSBY , CHARLOTTE ,N.C.
- na
He had a huge heart and never met a stranger. He really really had a passion for working with kids and teenagers. He will be missed.
- na
I met Johnny at Livingstone College when he came into the Bridge Program and I was his RA. There never was a day that he did not have the entire staff laughing. Johnny was special and was a leader among his peers and was truly a gentle giant. He will be missed and will forever be a Blue Bear
- na
Johnny, You were one of the best friends I could ever have. I will always keep the memories we have close to heart. Thank you for always being there for me. Love you forever, Kyn Kyn❤️🩹💔😢
- na
Dear my big brother may you rest in peace and please watch over our family we love you 😘
- na
Even though I didn't know you long I fell in love with you I will always remember our times hanging out at the Y, your Y family miss you so much we always knew when you stepped in the water we were going to have a good time, now it's your time to rest, we will never forget you my friend!! Love Debra Matthews
- na
My dear "son"! You are an amazing man and I am so PROUD to have met you in this lifetime! I have no words to tell you how much that I am going to miss you! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! This one "hurts" BUT GOD's "got you" just like we discussed during our last conversation! Get your REST!!
- na
MY FRIEND!! I can say so many things but i will keep it short, Johnny John Hatcher.. I'm going to miss you! Thank you for being a great friend and just all around good person! This hurts so badly... I'll just say see you later for now! I love you! ❤️ 🕊️SIP
- na
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC