"He's a Man among Men" is a phrase that some people casually toss around, but if you take the time to explore the meaning of this phrase you would reserve it for the man who is sincere.  A man who says what he means and means what he says. He is not void of spot nor wrinkle that his wisdom allows him to own and acknowledge.  He is gentle and strong, quiet and vocal; he is both ordinary and extraordinary.

Harold Sylvester Hackney was born January 29, 1931 in Fluvanna County Virginia to John Jasper and Eulah Easton Hackney. He finished his life course on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Harold gave his life to Christ at an early age and united with County Line Baptist Church. As a watch member of Cannon Baptist Church in Washington D.C. he devoted many years of service as a spiritual ambassador; a gatekeeper.

Harold, also known by his neighbors as The Mayor of Somerset Place, was often seen mowing all the neighborhood grass, running errands for disabled neighbors, providing transportation to and from work or providing neighborhood watch service from his front porch. He established lifelong friendships with those he shared employment for 40 years at the Air Craft Owners and Pilot Association.

While limited in formal education, his firm faith in the ways of the Lord, and his tireless determination afforded him and his late wife Bessie L. (Henson) Hackney, their three children Keith, Harold Jr., Angela and Harold's daughter, Helen Smith Robinson spiritual growth and many comforts of life.

His presence enriched the lives of many and leaves to cherish memories of his life: his son Keith T. Hackney and daughter Angela M. Hackney (Edward D. Alexander son in law) Louisa VA; one sister Christine (Gilbert brother in law) Jackson Kent Store, VA; one sister in law Ana Henson Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight grandchildren Rasheed, Robin, Alina, Keith Jr., DeAngelo, Sandra, Theresa and Reggie; 21 great-grandchildren;11 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces including Joann Price Kent Store VA; nephews; extended family and many special friends including Rosaline Dodd, RC Patterson, Vonda Holden, Andre Wilkins and Gladys Brown friend and caregiver.

His sister, Allene Bethea, two brothers, Curtis Hackney and John Hackney, son Harold Hackney Jr. and daughter Helen Smith Robinson, preceded Harold in death.

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Henson Family Cemetery.