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BORN
1948
DIED
2021
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Larry Hackley Obituary
Larry Graham Hackley, 72, noted for his passion for art and Contemporary American Folk Art (Kentucky Folk Art, in particular), died suddenly in Warrenton VA, May 14, 2021, while vacationing with family in the area. Born in Warrenton on November 9, 1948, Larry was raised in Amissville VA in the home where his father was born, once commenting that he felt he had grown up "in a Norman Rockwell painting". Larry lived most of his life in Kentucky, residing in Berea KY at the time of his death.
Predeceased by his father E. Graham Hackley, Larry is survived by his devoted mother Dorothy Z Hackley, his sister Janet (Jan) H Makela (husband Ronald W Makela), his nephew Joshua Bryan Hackley Makela (wife Sophia Coleman), aunts JoAnne Z Tilley, Nancy Z Nicholas, Betty G Zinn, and countless cousins and friends.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Kentucky, Larry embraced a lifelong love of art. His curious mind led him to immerse himself in every new interest, reading and researching in depth. Larry was an art teacher in the public schools of Eastern Kentucky, owner of Hackley Gallery in Winchester KY, moving the gallery to Berea KY for a number of years. He had a keen eye for Folk Art, collecting art and curating many museum and gallery shows through the years.
Larry became interested in Contemporary American Folk Art while living in KY, and became renowned for his expertise in that field, authoring and collaborating on multiple books related to southern pottery, quilts, Kentucky Folk Art, carved canes, and more.
As a child, Larry was intrigued by old crocks used to preserve foods, Victorian hair wreaths, and other historic items in the home of his Grandmother Hackley. His Grandmother Zinn introduced him to baking, gardening, canning and more. He studied bugs, dissected frogs, collected rocks, raised exotic chickens and fish, and experimented with edible plants, all before becoming an adult and venturing off to make his way in his chosen profession.
Fiercely independent, creative and talented, he will be missed by all who knew him as a kind, generous man with an easy-going spirit, who loved his family and friends, and all things interesting and beautiful.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Hackley Family Scholarship Fund, c/o HEADWATERS- Public Education Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Washington VA 22747.
Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Hackley
Sponsored by Moser Funeral Home Inc..
Peggy
May 13, 2023
I can hear Larry now smiling then laughing that contagious (Hackley) laugh.
RAKESH PATEL & FAMILY
May 24, 2021
Larry was a great human being. I have known him for over 10 years and he always treated me and my family with kindness. We are so thankful to have met him. We are truly sorry to learn about his passing. Sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Love,
Rakesh, Sarla, Felicia, and Vanessa Patel
Robert Reeves
May 23, 2021
I knew Larry through our mutual interest in Southern folk art. His intelligence and many contributions were impressive, and I had great respect for him. Sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Teresa W. Tune
May 22, 2021
Larry was a great friend and a wonderful and knowledgeable artist and art collector. He will be greatly missed.
Wayne Ferguson
May 22, 2021
Larry was a true friend. He would ask me to go on road trips through Kentucky and the Southern States to visit the many folk artists he befriended. I always had to remove the mound of cups and fast food wrappers on the passenger side floor before getting in the car! He is an icon in the history of Kentucky folk art and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Betsy Adler
May 21, 2021
Worked with Larry in Kentucky. He was knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Marcia Weber
May 20, 2021
Sending heartfelt condolences on your loss. Larry was a good friend in the art business for many years. He will be missed.
Peggy Hackley
May 19, 2021
Larry had the best laugh and his eyes seemed permanently crinkled with a smile. We will miss him and I am so glad and so proud to be a cousin.
Cheryl Grimes
May 19, 2021
Sorry for your loss...Prayers for the family.
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