Mr. Donald Hackney

Mr. Donald Hackney of Huntsville, AL went to be with the Lord Wednesday. Following the Lord’s call he served as Pastor of the New Testament Baptist Church for 49 years. He is survived by daughters Sandra (Larry) Mangrum, Pepper (Steve) Beaver, Denise (Jason) Rice, five grandchildren Amanda Beaver, Brandie McCartney, Brooke Rice, Adam Beaver, Katie Beaver, six great-grandchildren, Ava Watson, Tye Burress, Kalel West, Grantlin and Jillian McCartney, MaKenna Beaver, sister Helen Stevens, brother Steve (Brenda) Hackney , Son-In-Law Ronnie Wilburn and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Nina (Poteet) Hackney, daughter Suzy Wilburn and one grandson Jake Wilburn.

Don was born in Bedford KY May 31st, 1933 to Lemuel S and Ethel M (Carson) Hackney, the youngest of 6 children. He married Nina Poteet after a 3 month courtship on November 21, 1951. Together they raised 4 daughters in the home he built with his own hands with the help of family and friends. He moved to Huntsville AL to learn the machinist trade, later owning Humboldt Machine. He was a child of God and became an ordained Minister in August of 1966, serving as Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church for 49 years. He was blessed with a deep faith that sustained him in difficult times and provided strength to those around him. He became involved with Moores Mill Volunteer Fire, obtained Fire Fighter Level II and EMT; he served as Fire Chief and as Madison County Fire Marshall.

His daughters would agree that Holly Dunn’s song “Daddy’s Hands” could have been written to describe their Dad. His hands provided loving warmth and guidance. He was always there to give a loving embrace when you needed it, a rock for the family to lean upon.

Visitation will be from 3-6 PM Sunday, A Graveside Service at 11 AM Monday both at Valhalla Funeral Home.