Laura Ann Waits Hatton

Laura Ann Waits Hatton, 72, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Born on February 17, 1954 in Joanna, SC to Helen Odessa Ginn and William “Bill” Walter Waits, Jr. She was a 1972 graduate of Clinton High School where she enjoyed being a majorette. Afterwards, she attended Anderson Memorial School of Radiology, Laurens County School District 56 School of Practical Nursing (LPN), and San Antonio College School of Nursing (RN). She spent her career as an Emergency Room Trauma Nurse, where she was known for being a compassionate and highly skilled nurse. She also proudly served as a nurse in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1983 and in the US Army Reserve from 1990 to 1991 and was part of the 382nd Field Hospital that served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991.

Laura was devoted to her family, friends, and patients, offering a steady, generous love that touched everyone around her. She was the kind of person who would gladly give the shirt off her back to help someone in need.

Laura was happiest when nursing, hanging out at the beach, and spending time with her family. Her family will always remember her many sayings, expressive facial expressions, and silly songs.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, William “Bill” Hatton, Jr; daughters, Meredith Buchanan (Brad) of Simpsonville, Sabrina Fletcher (Blake) of San Diego, and Jessica Smith (Michael) of Greenwood; stepson, Spencer Hatton of Spartanburg; brother, Johnny Waits of Simpsonville; stepbrother, Michael Long (Polly) of Charleston; nephews, Austin and Hunter Waits both of Simpsonville; and sister-in-law, Angie Waits of Simpsonville. Known as Gran, she is also survived by her grandchildren, Abby Bagwell (Jackson), Hannah Stumbo (Gabe), Jordan Buchanan, Milo Dropps, and Marylee and Kendyn Hatton; and great-grandchildren, Alivia, Ada, and Annie Bagwell. She leaves behind a large circle of extended family and close friends whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chesley Richards; stepsister, Karen Banks; brother, Eric Chalk; and stepmother, Ruby Farmer Crapps.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Clinton at 504 East Carolina Avenue in Clinton, SC with David Lindler officiating. The funeral service with Military Honors will immediately follow.

A private burial for family will be held at Rosemont Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jackson Bagwell, Jordan Buchanan, Spencer Hatton, Sonny Kinney, Gabe Stumbo, and Austin Waits.

The families are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pruitthealth Hospice & Palliative Care (301 Halton Road, Suite B, Greenville, SC 29607) to whom we are extremely greatly for all their help, support, and compassion.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Hatton family with services.