Cover photo for John Thomas Hackler's Obituary
John Thomas Hackler Profile Photo
1937 John 2022

John Thomas Hackler

July 16, 1937 — February 2, 2022

Local football legend and business entrepreneur, Tom Hackler, passed away at his beloved home on Feb 2, at age 84, after a hard fought battle with cancer. John Thomas "Tom" Hackler was born to parents Irma and Jewell, and was the youngest to two brothers Hugh and Wayne.

He is survived by Debbie Hackler, his loving wife of more than 30 years, his daughters Kim (Ron) Jones, Kelley (Michael) Hutto, and son Tommy (Cindy) Hackler; six grandchildren; Kelsey, Mitchel, Chandler, Rhett, Nickolas, and Jillian; four great grandchildren Emma, Karma, Bliss, and Nora; as well as many in-laws, nephews, nieces, and other family members and friends.

Before Tom became a husband, father, and successful businessman, he was born the youngest child of land owners/farmers/ranchers in Meigs County. While helping on the family farm, Tom attended Meigs County High School where he became a star quarterback. His athletic talent earned him scholarships to the University of Georgia and Tennessee Technological University. Tom was especially proud of his years at TTU, and talked often of the golden years with his team and all his friends there. He met his first wife, a fellow student there. At TTU, Tom was honored as a two time All American. Years later, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at TTU, one of the highlights of his life. After graduating from college, Tom was a 4th round draft choice in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, but chose to be traded to the San Francisco 49ers. During his career, he also played for the Chicago Bears and later the Louisville Raiders in the World Football League, before hanging up his cleats to don a suit and tie. With a family to support, Tom took to business and sales like a natural. With his charm, wit, and love of people, he became a successful salesman at Magic Chef and Eureka after moving his family to Baltimore. Later, Tom and family moved to Florida. There Tom became a successful hotel owner/operator and a citrus industry entrepreneur, combining his love of people with his love of the orange grove business. Tom always loved Florida, but missed the Tennessee hills. Through the years, he embarked on a multitude of successful business ventures , reinventing himself in the tropical plant business, cattle ranching and farming. Moving between two worlds, one in Florida and one in Tennessee, Tom and his family enjoyed a rich and varied lifestyle in both states. Later, Tom met his wife Debbie while working as a top salesman at Fairfield glade.

After several years together, Tom and Debbie purchased Hackler’s Supermarket on Watts Bar. Tom loved the idea of running a business that had formerly been owned by his brother and his family. Tom and Debbie both worked tireless hours building a successful business. Tom enjoyed being back in his hometown with a business and a home on the lake where he had spent so much time as a boy. After turning over the business to son Tommy, he and Debbie retired to years of adventure and leisure at their homes in Florida and Ten Mile, making friends and enjoying the good life. Up until Tom's health issues, he enjoyed an active lifestyle in both states. But he was a fighter! Even from his wheelchair and between rounds of chemo, he kept a positive attitude on life. He stayed strong and insisted on living life to the fullest. With his wife's care, Tom continued to thrive despite adversities. He continued to enjoy partying with family and friends on the lake, caring for his beautiful yard with dozens of flowering plants and trees, rolling through his neighborhood with his beloved Casey, going to TTU games, watching football and Nascar, and relaxing on quiet evenings on the deck drinking wine while watching the boats cut through the water across from Sand Island. On his last birthday this past July, he was showered with love by his family. He laughed and ate and drank as we toasted to good times. He will be missed by all who loved him. A fighter to the very end, Tom Hackler packed a multitude of lifetimes into one rich and fantastic life!

A Celebration of Life for family and close friends is planned for early summer.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Tom or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Thomas Hackler, please visit our flower store.

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