William Forrest (Billy) Jackson Sr. of Wrightsville passed away peacefully at his home on Ohoopee River Road on February 24, 2020 with Pat, his wife of sixty-four years by his side. Mr. Jackson was born in Donovan Ga. August 30, 1930 to Myrtice and Forrest Jackson.
After graduating from Wrightsville High School, he attended Georgia Southern College. He volunteered for the United States Air Force in March of 1951 and served honorably for four years. Upon his discharge in 1955, he joined his cousin Duren Williams to establish “The Williams and Jackson Trucking Company.” In 1958 he started the “W.F. Jackson Construction Company,” specializing in expert removal of overburden for kaolin mining and other endeavors throughout Georgia and South Carolina. He served actively on the Board of the Georgia Mining Association and was selected as the Associate member of the year.
Mr. Jackson was an active member of the Wrightsville First Christian Church where he served as board member, deacon and elder. He was known for unwavering support of his church and love of church music. He attended faithfully until declining health made it impossible.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were chosen to be Grand Marshals of the Wrightsville Fourth of July parade. He was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Wrightsville Rotary Club in 2012.
Billy was known for his warm kind manner, amazing work ethic, servant leadership, deep Christian faith and devotion to his family, friends and employees. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying his own plane. A master mechanic, he was an expert on the operation and repair of machinery. If he learned of any need, he was often the first to reach out and always supported efforts to improve his community. He enjoyed travel with Pat and friends, good music and was an excellent dancer.
He is survived by his devoted loving wife Patricia Smith Jackson and children; Maribeth Jackson Shiver (Wess), William Forrest (Bill) Jackson, Jr. (Kim), Janet Patrice Jackson, Robert Cecil (Bob) Jackson. He remained very involved and deeply loved his grandchildren: Jon Graham, Sheree Rogers, April Driscoll, Sara Bonner, Will Jackson, Wes Jackson, Katelyn Jackson, and seven great grandchildren. He has two brothers, Curtis Jackson (Eloise) and Charles Jackson.
The family will receive visitors at the First Christian Church, Wrightsville from 5p.m. to 7p.m. on Tuesday. The service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, Wrightsville. Reverend Dr. George Forbes will officiate with assistance from Reverend Roger Holley. Burial will follow the ceremony at Westview cemetery in Wrightsville.
Pallbearers will be grandsons; Will Jackson, Wes Jackson and Jon Graham and grandsons in law; Perry Rogers, Joseph Driscoll, and Tony Bonner. Honorary pallbearers will be George Phillips, George Harrison, Walter (Pete) Gregory, Clyde Taylor, Fred Adams, Edd Tanner, Doug Tanner, Harley Wood, Marcia Kay Owensby, Ken Tanner, Tommy Walker, and Gregg Oliver.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Bessie Fann, Connie Johnson, Shirley Taylor, Alicia Riddle and Michelle Akridge for the loyal care that they provided.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Wrightsville First Christian Church at P.O. Box 228, Wrightsville, GA 31096 or the Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Fund at 113 Arkwright Landing, Macon, GA 31210.
Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.