Russell C. Hackley of Clarkson, Kentucky passed away Sunday, June 12 one day before his 74th birthday. Russell was a patriot devoted to God, family, agriculture, and his community. With wisdom and wit, his stories, quotes, and insight often entertained, taught, and challenged those who knew him.

As a member of Clarkson Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He had also been a member of Rock Creek United Methodist Church and was a member of Gideons International.

Hackley was elected to the board of the Grayson County War Memorial Hospital in 1966. The following year, he accepted the position of business office manager, and from 1972-1983, he served as the administrator of Grayson County Hospital. His tenure saw the planning, construction, and opening of what is now Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center. His healthcare career continued as he served as administrator at Caverna Memorial Hospital and as a Regional Administrator for Norton Health Care.

He retired from hospital administration to pursue his true passion - agriculture. His love for the land, implementation of rotational grazing practices, and utilization of forage species in his beef cattle production earned him multiple local, state, and national awards, including Master Conservationist, Outstanding Grassland Farmer, and Forage Spokesperson Awards, among others. He traveled four continents, learning about agriculture methods and innovations in various countries. In addition, he served his industry through multiple leadership positions, including Kentucky Cattlemen's Association (KCS), KCA Executive Committee member, board member of both the Kentucky and the American Forage and Grasslands Councils, and as a board member of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He was also a proud member of the Grayson County Cattlemen's Association.

Hackley is survived by his loving wife Pat (Lowrey); three daughters, JoNell (late Jim) Henderson, Alison Hackley, and Mildred (Jamie) Ward; his sister Mildred Hackley Lewis and niece Caryn Lewis; and six grandchildren, Alex and Jackson Henderson, Sam, Will, Molly, and Ali Ward, one great-nephew, Tyler Lewis, and his aunt Corine Houchens. He is preceded in death by his parents Alma (Powell) and Charlie Hackley.

**In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to Rock Creek Cemetery Trust Fund at Bank of Clarkson c/o Charlcy Bell, or Clarkson Baptist Church Youth Ministry.**

Visitation : Friends may call at Clarkson Baptist Church on Thursday June 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Services : Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Clarkson Baptist Church. Bro. John Whittaker will officiate.

Interment : Burial will take place at at Rock Creek Cemetery.