Mr. David Russell Hackney, age 53, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Monday morning, March 16, 2026, at the Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He was born February 23, 1973, in Dalton, Georgia, a son of the late Gary Richard and Joyce Ann Wells Hackney. He is also preceded in death by his grandparents, Willard and Lorene Wells and Dick and Virginia Hackney.

Russ loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, mowing the grass and mudding in the jeep. His favorite food was pork chops fried with potatoes, pintos and corn bread. Russ was a joy to be around his laugh was contagious. Even through his struggles with losing his leg, he made jokes and helped other people in the same situation as himself. Russ was also an organ donor and was able to help others live on after his own death. We would like to thank all the wonderful nurses and Doctors at Erlanger Medical for their support, kindness and amazing care of Russ.

He is survived by his daughter, Emma Hackney of Carrolton, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Mark Knox of Tunnel Hill, GA; grandchildren, Corbin Cleary and Ally Manior, Brett and Jessica Cleary, and Carson Cleary; special friends and caregivers, Kim Maxwell and Jennifer McNabb both of Dalton, GA; several aunts, uncles.

At his request he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721 706-226-4002 “Your Selected Independent Funeral Home”