Mr. Jimmy Lee “Hap” Hapney, 85, of Fayetteville, NC, died Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Highsmith Rainey Hospital.
Mr. Hapney was born December 4, 1936, in Charleston, WV, to the late Damon Lester Hapney and Pansy Leona Van Pelt Hapney. He was an Aviation Officer for the US Army. While in the Army, Mr. Hapney received the following awards: Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, and the “Legion of Merit” certificate. After retiring from the military, he opened a locksmith business in Fayetteville, where he was a member and treasurer of the NC Locksmith Association. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Raeford Road Fire Department.
Mr. Hapney loved camping, fishing, water skiing. He shared that love with his family, his friends, and his sons’ friends. He enjoyed white water rafting with his sons and his friends. He loved antique cars; delighted in riding in his 1948 Ford, which won him many trophies. He loved Country music, but danced to any music. He was a member of the Fort Bragg, Braggart Square Dance Club, where he served as President for one term and one term as Ambassador at-large. Mr. Hapney enjoyed picking his guitar and sing country songs. He was game for any adventure, including taking his 6 ½ month pregnant wife on a motor scooter tour of France. Mr. Hapney enjoyed photography and was asked to photograph and videotape many functions. He loved riding his Harley and made many memories with his family and his friends. He enjoyed art and took art classes with Kim at FTCC, after he retired. Mr. Hapney started the “Outlaws” website for his friends/enemies flying the WWII Theater games where he made friends from all over, including England and New Zealand. Some came to NC to meet him. He loved West Virginia, his home state. To him “Take me home country road” meant just that. Mr. Hapney was mesmerized by flight in all its forms. He loved flying helicopters, fixed wings, model airplanes, drones. Took rides in gliders and hot air balloons. His greatest unfulfilled dream: going into Space.
Mr. Hapney is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Hapney; two sons, Alan K. Hapney and Michael K. Hapney; two grandchildren, Nathan and Heather; and six great-grandchildren, Emma, Cameron, Corbin, Liam, Logan, and Irene.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, with full military honors.
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com.
