Long time Giovanni’s Pizza owner dies

Renn Junior Lackey

Renn Junior Lackey, age 88, of Hiddenite, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2025.

He was born on September 21, 1936, in Taylorsville, 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, according to obituary information.

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, and then moving 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. His sons Garry and Donnie carry on the tradition at Giovanni’s today.

Obituary information appears at this link.