ALBANY — Mr. Joe Hackett, 83, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2015, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Ga.  A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Calvary Episcopal Church Father Rick Buechner officiating. A reception will follow funeral services at the home of Joe Hackett

Mr. Hackett, a devoted husband and loving father, was a longtime resident of Americus, Ga. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Kay Hackett and is survived by his many children: Lane (Curt) Schaner, Leslie Ballantyne, Mary (Lamar) Moore, Clare (Shannon) Imel, Shannon Callahan and Michelle Callahan. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Melissa, John, Erick, David, Jason, Zachary, Nicole, Alyssa, Sam, Michael, Casey and Kaylee and his legacy lives on in his great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Hunter and Kylee.

Joe, former resident of Murray, Ky., was the only son of Tellous (Pat) and Modena Hackett of Murray, Ky. Mr. Hackett attended Murray State University then transferred to his beloved Georgia Tech in Atlanta where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.  Joe had an illustrious career spanning over five decades in plastic engineering, often managing projects that resulted in military or industrial advances.

Though Joe was a very successful executive throughout his career, it was the love for his family and his faith that sustained him. Joe was known as a deeply compassionate man, helping and aiding young and old alike. Most remember him for his sense of humor. His ability to make people laugh will be missed greatly by family and friends, as will his world-class peanut brittle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe Hackett’s name to The Fisher House Organization at fisherhouse.org, a network supporting military families in need during crises. Aldridge Funeral Services, 612 Rees Park, is in charge of arrangements.  To sign the online guest book and express your condolences to the family go to www.aldridgefuneralservices.com