William Loyd Hackett

On the evening of September 15, 2015, William "Bill" Loyd Hackett passed away peacefully after 92 years of extraordinary living while resting comfortably in his bed at home surrounded by family. William Hackett was born on March 11, 1923 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the eldest son of Horace and Lillian Hackett, and brother of Robert Hackett and Helen Chatham, who all preceded him in death. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He had a distinguished career, spanning twenty years of honorable service, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant, Sr. Grade. He served on active duty as a Navy fighter pilot during World War II in the Pacific. His post-war tours of duty took him throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. He was stationed for shore duty in Holbrook, AZ where he met his future wife, Elveen Roberta Bird. They were married in 1945 and had two daughters, Diane Roberta and Merry Lee, whom they raised with unconditional love and boundless joy. Bill and Elveen were married for 41 years until she preceded him in death in 1986. Bill's post-military career did not lack adventure, either. From owning the Toy Corral in Sanford, Florida, to serving as President of Marine Bank of Kissimmee, Bill's genuine love of people made his professional life as successful as his military career. His last business venture was the popular Country Junction craft store, which he ran with his wife, Elveen, and daughter, Diane, in Perrine, Florida. His second retirement led him back to the North Georgia mountains he loved. Louder than the call of the mountains was the desire to be with his family; so in 2000, he moved back to Miami, Florida to live with his daughter, Diane, and son-in-law, Brian Jarvinen. Bill loved traveling, learning new things, and eating great food. He enjoyed the company of friends and family and never tired of giving hugs. He was a member of the American Legion and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. His service to his country and his love for his family were his greatest sources of pride. Bill will always be fondly remembered by the family and friends who were privileged to share his life. He lives on in the memory of his loving daughter, Diane Roberta Jarvinen, her husband Brian Jarvinen, and her sister Merry Lee Chandler, as well as his grandchildren and their families: James Jarvinen, Scott Jarvinen (Gigi Rubio), and Rickelle Mathis (Anthony Mathis); and his great-grandchildren Cheyenne Melina Allen, Anthony William "Will" Mathis, and Ramona Lily Jarvinen. He will be missed by his extended family of the heart, including Anne McCartney, Laura & Bob Hyams, The LeMaire Family, The Byrne Family, The Brady Family, and so many others. In accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be a small private family service. In lieu of flowers, anyone moved to make a tribute in his memory is encouraged to consider donating to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (http://www.nmcrs.org), or any organization that benefits veterans or active duty service members. The family would like to extend our profound gratitude to the members of Vitas Hospice Team 138, whose compassionate support made his final days at home possible.