Ernest Hackney

WILSON - Ernest Deans "Bo" Hackney, 89, of Wilson, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

Funeral, Saturday, 2 PM, Maplewood Cemetery, Section A.

Bo, a native of Wilson County, was born November 1, 1923, to John N. Hackney, Sr. and Mary Hunter Deans Hackney. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Strickland Hackney, in 2004. A lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, he became an Eagle Scout in 1938 and has served numerous offices in the church through the years with special note of service in the Volunteers in Mission program and as a Sunday School teacher.

He proudly served his country during World War II as a P-51 fighter pilot in Italy. For his service, he was awarded the Certificate of Valor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Silver Star.

He lettered in baseball at UNC-Chapel Hill, was Phi Beta Kappa and a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. He was president of the former Wilson Savings and Loan.

An Atlantic Coast Conference football official for more than 30 years, his love
for football came from his days at Charles L. Coon High School and working with the Wilson Recreation Midget League.

Surviving are his daughters, Lee H. Edwards, Jean H. Haas (Dave), Betty H. Biddle (Scott) all of Wilson, Mary Hunter Keeler (Russell Hinnant) of Fuquay-Varina; son, Ernest Deans Hackney, Jr. (Robin) of Wilmington; grandchildren, Mary Wesley Edwards Michaud (Andy), Deans and Clay Hackney, Mary Hunter and Joe Keeler; sister, Mary Hunter Brame of Wilson; brother, John N. Hackney, Jr., of Tarboro.

The family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Drive, Friday, 6 - 7:30 PM.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church - VIM, PO Box 1423, Wilson 27894; Salvation Army, PO Box 96, Wilson 27894, Wilson County Humane Society or to the charity of one's choice.