Dr. Brennie E. Hackley Jr., Ph.D

Brennie E. Hackley Jr., Ph.D of Joppa, MD died on Sunday, November 5, 2006. Dr. Hackley was Chief Scientist and Scientific Advisor to the Commander of the US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He authored or co-authored more than75 publications and 15 U.S patents. Dr. Hackley’s publications and patents contributed significantly to the development of medical antidotes for chemical warfare agents. TMB4, one of the compounds synthesized by Dr. Hackley was fielded by eastern bloc nations and designated standard U.S. Air Force therapy for treating chemical exposures.

As instructor and course director, Dr. Hackley delivered lectures, worldwide, to medical and health professionals on the management of chemical casualties. He served on numerous panels as a subject-matter-expert and was the Chairman of the task force on Long-Term, Low-Level Effects of chemical warfare agents, as well as a NATO study group on skin toxicity.

He received numerous honors and commendations during 57 years of continuous government service. He was an honorary, life member of the American Chemical Society and Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists. LTG Kevin Kiley, The Surgeon General US Army has posthumously awarded the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service medal.

Dr. Hackley commissioned by the Reserve Officers Corps and retired as Colonel with 31 years enlisted and officer service. He served as President of the Reserve Officers Association Chapter 28.

He was active in the Harford County community and member of the Lion’s Club, American Legion, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

He was the second of ten children born in Roanoke, VA on July 29, 1924 to the late Brennie E. and Rowena Draper Hackley. Four siblings (Melba H. Wade, Ralph M. Hackley, Lawrence E. Hackley and William R. Hackley) preceded him in death.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 Years, Ethel Battle Hackley of Joppa, MD.; daughter, Dr. Michele Hackley Johnson of New Haven, CT.; sons Michael B. Hackley of Joppa, MD and Brennie E. Hackley III of Alexandria, VA; 3 grandchildren: Brandon Johnson of Columbus, OH, and Erin Johnson and Miles Johnson of New Haven, CT and; 2 brothers: Calvin E. (Julia) Hackley of Lanham, MD and Robert E. Hackley of Silver Spring, MD; 3 sisters: Frances M. Hackley and Kathleen H. Petty of Washington, DC; and Oglivia H. (Thomas) Abernathy of Silver Spring, MD; 20 nieces and nephews, 44 great-nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends may call at McComas Funeral Home, 1317 Cokesbury Road, Abingdon, MD, Friday November 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where services will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 10 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, December 29 at 1 p.m. Rev. George E. Hackey, Jr., of Sharp Street UMC of Sandy Spring, MD., will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Wilberforce University or to the Chemistry Department Graduate Program at the University of Delaware in care of Ethel B. Hackley, P.O. Box 862, Edgewood, MD 21040 – 0862.