John William Hackney

John William "Johnny" Hackney, longtime area resident and businessman, passed away on July 29, 2007; he was 83 years old. He is best known to Midlanders for the legendary "Johnny's Barbecue," which he opened in 1951 and operated for over 50 years.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Johnny joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 at the age of nineteen. He was soon stationed in the Pacific theater, where he served until the end of World War II. He was actively engaged in combat in a number of campaigns, including New Britain, New Caledonia, Peleliu and others. He was a proud recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Okinawa, where he was positioned "from day one until it was all over."

After his discharge from the Marines, Mr. Hackney returned to Fort Worth and finished college at TCU. In 1946 he married Betty Davitte, also of Fort Worth, and the couple moved to Midland in late 1950. During his many years in the restaurant and catering business, he also had successful forays into other careers. His knowledge and passion for geography led him into the travel industry for a number of years in the 1960's. During the early seventies he became a stockbroker and began working at Merrill Lynch, where he developed lasting friendships in the Midland office.

Mr. Hackney was preceded in death by his wife in 1988, his parents, T.E.D. and Fanny Belle Hackney; brothers Robert McCart Hackney and T.E.D. Hackney, Jr., and one daughter, Kathryn "Cissy" Zollo.

He is survived by three daughters, Lynn Staley (William) Yarger, of St. Louis, MO; Amanda (Peter) Michaels, of Los Angeles, CA; and Mimi (J. Robinson 'Rob') Kerr, of Houston, TX; son in law Richard Palmerton, of Austin, TX; sister Frances (Don) Sutton, of Fort Worth, TX; sister in law Kay Hackney, of Odessa, TX; grandchildren, Reid (Marshall) Thompson, Gretchen (Patrick) Shipley, Kate Staley, Patrick (Kim) Zollo, Jimmy and Spencer Michaels, and Caroline, Isabel, Lucy and Sophie Kerr; great-grandsons, Marty Thompson and Luke Shipley; numerous nieces and nephews; and his devoted companion for many years, Kelley Jones, who remembers with great fondness their time together.

Johnny had an abundance of friends, both living and departed. Those who survive recall his generosity of spirit and the countless occasions made possible by his hard work. The family would especially like to thank the Hospice of Midland staff for their invaluable services, and caretaker Gloria Sepulbeda for all the attention and comfort she provided throughout the past several months.

Mr. Hackney was a longtime parishioner of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, where he served on the Vestry and in other capacities over the years.

The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Tuesday, July 31, 2007 between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services have been scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701, or the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W. Illinois, Midland, TX 79701. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place online condolences please visit www.mem.com.