Renn Junior Lackey of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away Saturday, July 25, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., at the age of 88.

Renn was born on September 21, 1936, in Taylorsville, N.C., to James Renn Lackey and Mattie Parker Lackey. He married his beloved wife, Martha Sue Barnes Lackey, on February 11, 1961, and they shared 59 happy years together, most at the foot of the Rocky Face Mountain in Hiddenite, N.C.

Renn’s career was varied, starting with four years in the United States Air Force, then a few years as a draftsman at Kewaunee Scientific Corporation, a few years selling insurance out of Adams Funeral Home in Taylorsville, and then he moved on to restaurant management at Holly Farms Fried Chicken in Taylorsville. He finally settled into his true calling of restaurant owner in May 1985, at Giovanni’s Pizza in Taylorsville with his wife Sue. He often bragged that no one made a better pizza than him. His sons, Garry and Donnie, carry on at Giovanni’s today.

Renn is survived by his sister, Joann Keever of Mooresville, N.C.; three sons, Ronnie LaShaw (Karon) of Wilmington, N.C., Donnie Lackey (Karen) of Hiddenite, N.C., and Garry Lackey (Crystal) of Hickory, N.C.; daughter, Sandra Tabler (Richard) of Mooresville, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Renn and Mattie P Lackey; and six siblings, Willie Mae Wyatt, Hazel Connley, Edna Bunton, Guy Lackey, JC Lackey, and Carlton Lackey; his beloved wife Sue; and grandson, Richard Paul Tabler.

Receiving will be held at Adams Funeral Home in Taylorsville from 7 until 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church in Taylorsville. Pastor Reed Shoaf will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors accorded by Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard.

Flowers may be sent to Adams Funeral Home, or in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church of Taylorsville, N.C.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Renn Junior Lackey.