MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Rex Anthony Hiatt, a longtime Lauderdale County administrator and community leader, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 28, 2025. He was 78.
Born July 2, 1947, in Meridian to Annie Marie Ramia Hiatt and Rex Hiatt, he dedicated much of his career to public service and community involvement.
Hiatt began his career in education, teaching in Mississippi and Georgia before returning to Meridian in 1980 as executive vice president of the Mississippi Jaycees. He went on to serve 22 years as Lauderdale County Administrator, where he oversaw major projects including the county’s Unit System of Government, the remodeling of the courthouse, and construction of the county jail. Following his retirement, he worked as Director of Administration for Mississippi Blood Services.
A graduate of Central High School in Jackson, Hiatt earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University.
Active in civic and church life, he was a member of Central United Methodist Church, the founding board chairman of the Meridian/Lauderdale County Boys and Girls Club, and a recipient of the Boys and Girls Club of America’s Medallion Award. He also held leadership positions in the United Methodist Church, served on the Pat Harrison Waterway District Board under three governors, and led several community associations.
Hiatt and his wife, Brenda, were avid travelers, visiting six continents together and planning a trip to Africa before his illness. He enjoyed boating on the Black Warrior River, walking the beaches of Perdido Key, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda Kimbrough Hiatt; son Roy Anthony Hiatt and his wife, Leslie; two grandchildren, Ann Hardin Hiatt and Henry Anthony Hiatt; two sisters, Judy Ann Atchison and Sandra Marie McKell; two brothers, William Howard Hiatt and Joseph Thomas Hiatt; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Central United Methodist Church with burial at Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 10 to 11:15 a.m. prior to the service. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at robertbarhamffh.com, click here for more information.
