JACK CURTIS HARTNETT

Jack Curtis Hartnett, 68, of Burleson, passed away on Nov. 20, 2020.

Jack was born, on Feb. 7, 1952, to Joe C. and Muzzette Hartnett in Mexia, where he lived until graduation in 1970. Jack played basketball and ran track, but his true love was playing football and being captain of the fighting Blackcats. He was active in scouting and reached Eagle Scout status. Jack was also part of the Ogewenagi Indian Dancers, where he danced the hoop dance. He was nominated to the Naval Academy but married his high school sweetheart, Vicki, instead and they spent almost 50 wonderful years and were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and five step-grandchildren.

Jack was a long time restaurant entrepreneur who started his first business called “Snappy Jacks”, a small Bar B Cue place in South Arlington at 21 years old. He is still known by many as just “Snappy.” He then joined Sonic and spent a career of 33 years running D.L. Rogers Corp. as president. He brought the concept of ice cream to Sonic across the nation and was affectionately known as “Mr. Ice Cream.” He served on the FAC board for years at Sonic and was affectionately known there as “Mr. Argumentative.” He was awarded the “Troy Smith Award,” which is the highest award from Sonic Industries. Jack then spread his wings and started opening his own Sonics and later Fish City Grills. He loved deeply the idea of giving people opportunities to grow and reach their potential. If anyone knew Jack they knew his infectious smile and his always-positive attitude. Jack loved so many things in life but most of us know his favorite thing was to cook and feed folks really good food. He also was a talented painter, and he loved to sing. Jack loved to be around people, especially his family and friends. His favorite place was his new home on Cedar Creek Lane. He referred to it as his “happy place.”

Jack was a member of Colleyville Methodist Church in Colleyville, where he and Vicki worked with the youth group when they lived there. Jack was also a supporter of 4-H and so enjoyed watching kids be their best.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Joe C. Hartnett and Muzzette Hartnett, and his sister Joann Hinchliffe.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Hartnett; children Jennifer Ruyle and husband Kenney Ruyle, Keyli Rhoades and husband Keith Rhoades, Jason Hartnett and wife Shanta Hartnett; grandchildren Dalton Ruyle, Cade Hartnett, Madison Hartnett, Laine Rhoades, Jenna Ruyle and Ryder Rhoades; step-grandchildren, Amanda Ruyle, Noel Martin, Jack Martin, and Sunny Giles; sister Rita Weaver and husband Winston Weaver, and sister Kelli Reynolds and Debbie Robinson; nieces and nephews Wendy Weaver, Michael Weaver, Charles Hinchliffe, Bridgette Hinchliffe, Brent Burns and Brandi Burns.

His funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at 6362 Retta Mansfield Rd. in Burleson.