Athel (Ace) Hacker, 80, Leighton, AL, passed away on January 9, 2026. Ace was born in Belgreen, AL, and grew up in LaGrange, AL. He spent his early years working for his father as a logger during the day and rocking the stage at night by playing lead guitar and providing vocals in the very popular band “The Hacker Brothers.” Ace went on to become a very hardworking successful businessman by owning and operating his own business, Athel Hacker Trucking, LLC.
Music was always in his blood as he came from a long line of talented musicians. His love for music started at a very young age when one of his sisters showed him four chords on a guitar. His musical talent was not limited to only guitar as he also taught himself how to play piano and found that he had a natural God given talent with his voice. Ace recorded a hit song, “Look Who’s Holding You Now” that debuted at number 18 on the country music chart in 1989 and stayed in the top 100 for 6 weeks. During his musical career, he also had the honor of playing for the Governors of Tennessee and Alabama.
He was a very loving, kind, giving man who loved his family and his loyalty to his family was unmatched. He was a strong Christian man and his faith in the gospel never wavered.
Ace is survived by his wife of 63 years, Legia Hacker; Sons, Deion Hacker and Shawn Hacker (Melissa) and daughter, Misti Ashley (Robert); Several very special grandchildren and great grandchildren; one brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Alice Hacker, six brothers, and four sisters.
Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel, Tuscumbia, AL. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1 pm. He will lie in state from 12 to 1 pm. Burial will follow at Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin Co, AL, with Jimmy Weathers officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be: William Berry, Mike Ford, Damon Hacker, Danny Hacker, Lee Hacker, and Todd Rackley. Honorary pallbearers are: Henry Tutwiley, Douglas “Pug” Smith, Dewey Pace, Jerry Irons and Faron Faires.
