Charles Hackman

Charles Hackman was born March 23, 1929, to Vera Hackman and Charlie Sanders. Charles was born and raised by his grandparents Claudine and Nathaniel Hackman in Jasper, Alabama. He was the oldest of twelve siblings and educated in Jasper, Alabama public schools. He had fond memories of his teachers.
Early in the 1940's the Hackmans migrated from Jasper, AL, to Springfield, MA. Soon after their arrival, the Hackman family became dedicated members of the St. Marks C.M.E. church. During his long tenure at St. Marks, Charles served as Treasurer of Trustee and Usher Boards.Through the years he was known as "St. Marks Handyman", always lending his skills to the church.
Charles entered into the United States Army in 1951 and served as a Private. He was Korean War veteran, and later honorably transferred to US Army Reserve. During his tenure he was noted as one of the Army's top 10 sharp shooters.
Charles was a "self-taught" mechanical genius. He said, "I learned some from my neighbors; they would let me help them, then I would practice on my own". As a young boy he worked in service stations and learned from his experiences. His immediate, extended family, and friends often called on him to fix, build and assist with tasks. He would drop an engine, change brakes, change oil, fix alternators, engine belts, or give a tune up. If he couldn't figure it out, he'd learn the answer. He replaced roofs, built enclosed porches, wallpapered, painted homes (interior and exterior). Although plumbing wasn't a favorite task; he could do it. Electronics was a favored pass time (particularly, fixing TVs). He's remembered saying, "I'd go to school for electronics, but I had to go to work to help my family." Charles was employed at Savage Arms Manufacturing Co. for over 40 years as a machinist.
Charles married our beloved Mother, Irma L. Williams, on October 3, 1953. They celebrated life together for 41 years. Together they raised six children and cared for many family members. His family enjoyed how he prayed, his cooking (banana pudding), dancing (the camel walk) and how he responded to his elders. He treasured spending time and celebrating with his family and friends. Some of his favorite past times were listening to his vinyl record collection with many genres of music, socializing about politics and the "signs of the time", snapping pictures, watching local/national news as well as old western movies.
Charles didn't offer excuses for day-to-day demands. He was firm in his role as a father, foster father (over 35 years), and father figure to others. His actions demanded respect. He was a God-fearing man. Over time as he refined his role, he offered the words "I'm sorry" and fearlessly strived each day to be a better man. He often quoted the book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible, "the race is not given to the swift but to the one who endures to the end." Until the end, he lived as a MAN who offered no excuses, an never gave up!
Charles Hackman was predeceased by his wife Irma L. Hackman, three sons: Archie C. Williams, David Hackman and Danny E. Hackman, three great grandchildren: Brianna, Nazayre and Chase Hackman, six brothers: Charlie, Roosevelt, Major, Thomas, James and Lloyd Sanders, four sisters; Mary E. Swint, Catherine Windham, Margaret and Hattie Sanders. Also, dear friend, Ms. Mattie Mae Bacote Sessions. Charles leaves to cherish his memories two sons: Raymond L. Hackman (Cheryl) and Lewis C. Hackman, a daughter, Michelle Vernon (Johnnie), a daughter in law, Vera Williams, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. He also leaves one sister, Everlina O. Hayes, three cherished first cousins, Elaine Scott, Irene Hughes and Nathaniel Blunt, a Goddaughter Sandra Banks, a host of nieces (special niece Tina Sanders), nephews, and friends.
Daddy's Mottos: "If you want something done, do it yourself.", "What's done in the dark will come to the light." "Fight; to win." "God blesses the child who has his own." "Don't waste the life God has given you; time goes by fast." May the works he has done speak for him!