The Reverend David R. Hackett

The Reverend David Robert Hackett was born March 11, 1941, in New Madrid, Missouri. The son of Jim and Ella Mae Hackett, he grew up in the small town of Sikeston, Missouri, and graduated from Sikeston High School, where he excelled as a trumpet soloist.

David met the love of his life and future wife, Kay Kesterson of Knoxville, TN, in 1960. They married in 1961, had four children, and enjoyed a happy marriage for the rest of David’s life.

David graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1967 with a B.S. in Sociology. While at U.T., he and Kay began attending St. James Episcopal Church, and he felt God’s call to ministry. David went to seminary at the University of The South, School of Theology, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1970.

David was ordained as an Episcopal priest at St. James church in Knoxville in 1971. After serving churches in West Tennessee during the first few years of his ministry, David accepted a call to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport, TN in 1974. In 1978, David was called to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN, where he served as Rector until 1985. He then accepted a call to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge, TN, where he served as Rector until 1989. In 1989, David was called to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Signal Mountain, TN, where he served as Rector until his retirement in 2001. Following retirement, David served as Interim Priest at various Episcopal churches throughout the Eastern U.S.

David (“Father Hackett”) was a man of great faith who touched many lives and served his community throughout his ministry. He was known for his love of God, family, and the congregations he served. David’s preaching and pastoral care inspired, encouraged, and guided countless souls; his loving and empathetic nature comforted parishioners, family, and friends throughout his life. He was an avid reader and had a keen intellect and great sense of humor. In addition to his family and faith, David had a passion for travel, music, history, and a glass of good scotch.

David died peacefully at home on June 10, 2023, surrounded by family, with his favorite music filling the room.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Hackett; father, James Logan Hackett; and brother, James Lee Hackett.

David is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kay Hackett of Signal Mountain, TN; his children: Cindy Cline of Chattanooga, TN, Becky (Gordon) King of Cookeville, TN, Mark (Beth) Hackett of Signal Mountain, TN, and The Reverend Chris (Jen) Hackett of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren: Ben, Kathleen, Abbie, Jon, Logan, Rachel, Megan, Bill, Tom, and Jim; and his great-grandchildren: Nora and Henry.

In David’s own words, which he left for us: “I have been greatly blessed in this life by Almighty God. His chief blessing to me has been to have had such a wonderful family, who have made this a great journey. Remember: Love never dies. Give thanks to our Lord Jesus for the promise of resurrection. I trust we will see one another again in the Kingdom.”

Services will be held on June 21, 2023, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on Signal Mountain, TN, with Visitation at 2:00 pm, Celebration of Life and Funeral at 3:00 pm, and Reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Timothy’s Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com for the Hackett family.