William Frank Hackney - Groce Funeral Home

July 11, 1920 ~ February 16, 1999

William Frank Hackney, 78, was born July 11, 1920 at his home in Tyro, Arkansas, and died Tuesday, February 16, 1999, at his home at 30 West Avon PArkway, Asheville.

Mr. Hackney received his Masters Degree in Economics from Arizona State University and served in the Navy during WW II. He was former Director of the Internship Program in the Management Department of UNC-A, and was a former instructor at Cecil's College. He retired in 1981 as manager of Sears.

He was a memberof the Asheville Rotary Club and the Country Club of Asheville, where he served on the board.. He was Chairman of the United Way for several terms during the 1960's and was former president of the Merchants Association.

Mr. Hackney was an extraordinary and wonderful husband, an avid fair- and foul-weather golfer, and a cat fancier and owner.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Banning Hackney.

He is survived by his second wife, Donna R. Hackney; a daughter, Bonnie Thomas; a son, Robert Hackney; two step-daughters, Elizabeth 'Zibby' Gonzalez and Christina Gonzalez; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Mary Frances Simmons, and two brothers, Clifford and Reginald Hackney.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 20, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Ron Crawford officiating.

His family will receive friends from 7 - 8:30 pm Friday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hopsice, PO Box 16, Asheville, NC 28802.