Gary Hacker's Obituary
Gary Edward Hacker
{Sparky}
Born July 23rd 1943
Died November 20th 2025
Proceeding him in death:
Father: John Henry Hacker
Mother: Lucille Gertrude Hacker [Knight]
Sister : Sheila Ann Hacker
Children: Sheila Renee & Jerome Daniel Hacker
Survived By:
Children Deborah & Anthony Aloe
Darren Hacker
John & Amanda Hacker
Jamie & Michelle Hacker
Siblings:
Roger & Brenda Hacker
Timothy & Heather Hacker
Jon & Jeany Hacker
Grandchildren:
Lisa, Skylar, Kayla, Julia, Austin, Tyler & John Jr.
Great Grandchildren:
Dustin, Brelynn, Kayson, Melanie, Leo & Hallie
Gary was born at Camp Rucker, Enterprise Alabama. He moved to Minneapolis
Minnesota with his family and graduated from De La Salle High School. He
decided to move to Florida in 1972, where he met Sharon Lee Simmons and
married in 1973. They went on life’s journey and had six children. Two of which
died shortly after birth. Gary and Sharon divorced later in life, November of 1984.
Gary was a devoted and loving father to the remaining four children. Gary always
tried to keep it lighthearted, with an almost kidlike personality through the years.
It was like he saw the world through the eyes of a child. Gary was diagnosed with
cancer multiple times throughout his life and if that wasn’t enough, he also was
struck by lightning twice, earning him the nickname Sparky. He later started
working at Tampa International Airport, doing a multitude of jobs in the customer
service department. He created a better workplace for him and his coworkers.
Gary had a stroke in 2015, which caused him to resign from the airport. He
moved in with his eldest child Deborah until she was no longer able to care for
him. He then entered a nursing home where he began having health issues that
ultimately lead to his death.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?