James Seldon Hackney

James Seldon Hackney, 87, died peacefully surrounded by his four daughters Friday, March 6, 2015 in Tallahassee, FL. He was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Beth, who preceded him in death just 22 days earlier. James was born in Simms, TX on December 22, 1927, the youngest child of Howard and Alta Hackney. After graduating from James Bowie High School, where he was a standout basketball and track athlete, James enlisted in the Army Air Corps just in time to experience Japan’s total surrender and the end of WWII. He honorably served his country for three years, attaining the rank of Sergeant and returned to Naples, TX after discharge. There he met and married Anna Elizabeth “Beth” Andrews of Texarkana. Together they raised four cherished daughters, taught them the importance of family and were blessed with unconditional love by parents who adored them. For many years after returning to Naples, James was an active member of Beldon Masonic Lodge #674, as a Master Mason and served a term as Worshipful Master. In 1963, James followed a call from God and dedicated his life to His service by moving his family to Ft. Worth, Texas to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1967 with a diploma in Church Music and served as Minister of Music for several churches in Texas and Florida. He and his family were charter members of North Stuart Baptist Church in Stuart, FL, where he also served as an ordained deacon. After relocating to Tallahassee in 1981, James was actively involved as choir member and deacon of Bradfordville First Baptist Church. James was an avid sports fan and proud supporter of the University of Texas Longhorns, his adopted FSU Seminoles and his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He is survived by his four loving daughters: Carol (Michael) Paul of Stuart, FL; Dottie (Mike) McGrotha, Debbie (Marc) Stemle, and Janice (Paul) Dyer all of Tallahassee, Florida. James was a cherished Grandaddy of seven, who will all serve as pall bearers at his request: Jimmy Paul, Alex Stemle, Bobby Paul, Billy McGrotha, Andy McGrotha, Matthew Stemle and Jennifer Dyer. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his sister, Nora Dale May of Dekalb, TX, many nieces and nephews and daughter Annette Greene of Big Sandy, TX. James also requested his four sons-in-law and the following special men serve as honorary pall bearers: Wayne Hackney, Randall Ranes, Warren Miller, Virgil Fleming, Cecil Hartsfield and Randolph Maphis. Services will be held Monday, March 9, 2015 at Bradfordville First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, FL at 1:00 p.m. with visitation at 12:00 pm and internment to follow at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. A reception will follow at the home of Marc and Debbie Stemle. In lieu of flowers, James’s request was for memorial donations to be made to Bradfordville First Baptist Church Ready Fund or Florida Baptist Children’s Home. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements, 850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com

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James Seldon Hackney

December 22, 1927 - March 6, 2015