Vaden Major Lackey Jr.

Vaden Major “Cookie” Lackey, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was born in Nashville on September 30, 1928. The son of the late Vaden Major Lackey and Mildred Harrington Lackey, he attended Montgomery Bell Academy (class of 1946), where he served as president and played football and basketball. He went on to play football and rugby at Princeton University (class of 1950), where he was a member of the University Cottage Club, and he received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After serving in the U.S Navy, he received his J.D. at Vanderbilt University Law School (Class of 1956). He worked as a contractor building houses in Nashville while in law school.

Vaden married Nancy Alexander Denney in 1954. He is survived by his three sons; Vaden Major Lackey, III, Raymond Denney Lackey (Jennifer), and Gilbert Harrington Lackey (Elizabeth), all of Nashville. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Denney Lackey and his brother, Harrington Ashton “Hal” Lackey. He adored being “Grandad” to his five grandchildren; Raymond Denney Lackey, Jr., Eliza Brooks Lackey, Katherine Clark Lackey, Ross Alexander Lackey, and Vaden Hartsfield Lackey.

Vaden served on Naval destroyers Harwood and Fiske from 1950-1953. He then spent 18 years in the Naval reserve. He switched from being a line officer to the JAG Corps, where he reached the rank of Commander (retired). He took great pride in his country’s service, and he looked forward to attending Harwood ship reunions held every five years.

Vaden was elected and served in the Tennessee 83rd General Assembly in the House of Representatives. He was an attorney for Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan Association. He served as their General Counsel, on the board of directors and on the advisory board. He later served on the Middle Tennessee board of Union Planters Bank. Vaden was a partner in Denney, Lackey and Chernau law firm. After he retired as principal around 1990, he became Of Counsel in Adams and Reese/Stokes Bartholomew law firm.

Vaden served on the board of directors of many distinguished organizations; Outlook Nashville, Inc. (president), Nashville City Club, Nashville Bar Association (vice president), Southwest branch YMCA (president), Montgomery Bell Academy Alumni Association (president), Barrister’s Club of Nashville (president), Harding Academy (president), Tennessee Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse (president), Belle Meade Country Club (secretary), City of Belle Meade Board of Zoning Appeals, Senior Citizens, Inc., and American College of Mortgage Attorneys (Board of Regents). He faithfully served Westminster Presbyterian Church – Board of Deacons (president), church elder for over 40 years, and member of Session.

Vaden was a hard-working overachiever, a talented businessman, and a civic leader. “Cookie” was a gentleman, a tireless philanthropist, and a political enthusiast. He had an intimate knowledge of every sand trap and water hazard at Belle Meade Country Club, although he would want it in print that he had a hole in one to his credit. He loved laughter, his church (especially the early service), and the beaches and greens of Sea Island, Georgia.

For decades, Cookie enjoyed weekly breakfast and lunch gatherings with special friends at Cracker Barrell, Sam’s Place, Wendell Smith’s, Sportsman’s Grille, and Belle Meade Country Club. He loved sports, including MBA football, the Titans, and his beloved Commodores. He could be found cheering in the center, front row at Vanderbilt men’s basketball games, and he also suffered and celebrated at many Vandy football games. Cookie will be remembered as a man who loved his family and friends and who always put others before himself.

Cookie was lucky enough to find love again late in life. The family would like to thank his longtime girlfriend Betty Jo Wemyss for giving him back the twinkle in his eye. Thanks to Betty Jo and her family for all their love and support. The family would also like to express gratitude to the extraordinary nurses and other staff at Alive Hospice and to Beverly Ferby and her devoted group of caregivers. Thanks to Beverly for being like a mother to “Grandad” while also being his best friend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Montgomery Bell Academy, or the charity of your choice. Friends and family will gather at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29, in the parlor at Westminster Presbyterian Church for visitation followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m.