William N. Hackney

William Nelson Hackney passed away on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on March 29, 1939, in Guernsey, Ohio, to Charles and Lilly (Smallwood) Hackney, Bill grew up in rural Atwater, Ohio, where he spent his youth milking cows on the farm with his four brothers, and developing a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. A 1957 graduate of Atwater High School, he excelled in football, basketball (All County), and baseball, and was elected Homecoming King. His wit and charm were captured in his yearbook quote, “Why should I bother about my books when I can get by on my looks,” a phrase that reflected his confidence and fun-loving nature. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard and spent most of his working career at General Motors in Lordstown, Ohio, at the Fisher Body Plant, where he proudly worked for more than 30 years until his retirement. Outside of work he spent many years bowling and taking fishing trips with his family and buddies on Rice Lake in Ontario, Canada. Bill married Sharyn Sweitzer on July 1, 1967. He trained and raced thoroughbred horses for more than 40 years. He and Sharyn built Hillside Stables in Charlestown Twp., Ohio, and became well known in the racing scene at Mountaineer, Thistledown, and Mahoning Valley racetracks, developing a strong group of industry friends who became family. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers Gary, Dennis and Norman, he is survived by his brother Gene (Ilene) Hackney and his children Jodi (Dan) Buehner of Chardon and Cristine (Brian) Boyd of Edinburg. He was the cherished grandfather of Michael, Eric, and Kaelyn Cardina, and Daniel and Lauren Boyd. His daughters give special thanks to the compassionate staff at Vista Veranda Assisted Living and Affinity Care Hospice of Ohio for caring for their dad in his final weeks, and to his many friends (too many to count) who helped him over his lifetime — especially over the past few years. A celebration of the life for Bill and Sharyn will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Charlestown Town Hall.