Leon Byrne Hackley died at his residence at Amerisist in Front Royal, VA on Friday, May 2.

He was a man of many talents and interests and was loved by many.

Mr. Hackley was born January 10, 1925 in Amissville.

He grew up with his parents in and around Hackley’s Store in Amissville, graduated from Washington High School in Rappahannock County, VA. He aspired to be a commercial designer (and at one time a cartoonist) in his younger life, and created a portfolio of wonderfully executed drawings. After high school he worked for Capital Airlines, and subsequently, United Airlines as an aircraft and engine mechanic for 38 years. In retirement, he invested in real estate in and around Prince William County. He was a lifetime member of the Washington, VA Masonic Lodge #78, and a member of the Amissville United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Rosalie Dowdell and Lewis Erwin Hackley; sisters and brothers (and their spouses) Katie Lee (and Robert) Jeffries, Veva (and Bob) Forbes, Thelma (and Clyde) Sherman, Ercel Hackley, Erwin (and Margaret) Hackley, and Graham Hackley; a special friend his nephew and the love of his life, Mary Hinson.

He is survived by, and was loved by, a multitude of nieces, friends and nephews and their families.

A private gathering for family and close friends to celebrate his life will be scheduled in the near future.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Blue Ridge, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601; Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org; or the Graham Hackley Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 75, Amissville, VA 20106.