Jerry D Hackney

“How do you feel, Jerry?” Even on his weakest days, he would wiggle ten fingers, and reply with a smirk, “With my hands.”

Jerry David Hackney, long-time resident of Madison, Ohio, flew away to Heaven the morning of November 12, 2025. Born on July 11, 1943 in Hartford, Indiana, Jerry was the son of Reverend Charles and Louise Hackney, who preceded him to Heaven, along with his older brother Gene.

Jerry grew up on a farm and enjoyed taking care of horses, especially an old Arabian racehorse that he nursed back to health. Jerry was especially proud of his accomplishments as a runner. He set many Indiana state records in high school track and long-distance running. He was a world class miler, hitting 4 minutes flat in the 1960’s while in college.

Jerry met his wife of 58 years, Nancy, at Taylor University. They were married in 1967 and moved to Madison on the Lake, where Jerry faithfully served his community, church and family. Jerry was known for his fun-loving, sometimes ornery, and always generous spirit. He could always be counted on in a snowstorm to plow neighbors’ and friends’ driveways and was always willing to help the elderly and widows.

Jerry and Nancy enjoyed growing and harvesting grapes, blackberries, and sour cherries to make delicious pies and jam. The couple also enjoyed refurbishing their century house into a home. In later years, they spent cherished time with the grandchildren, where no mess was too big or endeavor too dangerous, if it was fun for the family. They also loved cheering on the grandkids at their sporting events.

Jerry loved to organize his barn, filling it with treasures he found at auctions. Nothing cast-off was useless to him, especially people. Jerry was drawn to the poor and downtrodden, seeing value and potential in the most rejected among us. Jerry had a passion to share the love of God with those he met. He turned every telemarketing call into an opportunity to tell people about Jesus. One of his favorite encounters was talking with a young man in Asia, who later called Jerry back to thank him and tell him how excited he was to share the Good News with his family.

Jerry is celebrated for his hilarious adventures and monumental acts of generosity. He spent the last several years, and last ounce of strength, serving his cherished wife. He is remembered lovingly by his family-- wife, Nancy L. Hackney, and children Lauralyn (Chad) Davis and David (Amy) Hackney; grandchildren, in order of birth—Abigail (Daniel) Leyva, Cal (Hannah) Davis, Josh Davis, Luke (Maryssa) Hackney, Jarred Hackney, Aidan Hackney, Ava Hackney; great-grandchildren, Violet Leyva and Brooklynn Hackney.

Jerry will be honored at a celebration of life at Willo-Hill Church in Willoughby, Ohio. Details to be announced.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:3