Editor’s note: the details below were compiled from staff interviews and the obituary.
Elite Series pro Greg Hackney’s father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday Aug. 28.
Roger Dale Hackney, 72 of Star City, Ark., was born Oct. 15, 1945 in Pine Bluff to the late Reginald H. and Ercell Marie Scifres Hackney. He was a member of Mt. Home United Methodist Church, attended First Free Will Baptist Church in Star City and was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard. He was a logging contractor, retiring after 48 years, a member of the Dumas Bass Club, an avid hunter and fisherman and was a family man who loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
“I’ve known the family for over 30 years,” said Elite pro, and Arkansas native Stephen Browning. “Greg and his dad had the kind of relationship every father and son would like to have. They were buddies as much as father and son.
“Greg talked to his dad nearly every day and always the morning before a tournament day, just to get going and feel positive. This is a real tragedy.”
Also preceding him in death was a brother, James F. Hackney. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Beatty Hackney of Star City; one son, Greg (Julie) Hackney of Gonzales, La.; one daughter, Regina (Ron) Hackney Lusby of Hot Springs; 8 grandchildren, Sunnie (Robert) Jester, Ryann (Caleb) Webb, Ralston Lusby, Remington Lusby, Drew Hackney, Luke Hackney, Hannah Hackney and Sarah Hackney; 3 great-grandchildren, Bentley Jester, Addi Mae Jester and Hutch Jester; and his favorite puppy, Jasper.
Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday at Griffin Funeral Chapel with Bro. Tim Forman officiating. Visitation is 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The burial is at Greenmount Cemetery near Star City.
Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. More details and an online guestbook can be found at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.