Willie D. Jackson

Mr. Willie Dennis Jackson was born November 5, 1929, to the late Dennis William Jackson and Cordia Amanda Jane Austin Jackson in Lumpkin County, Georgia. He is the fifth child and oldest son of ten children, Bertie Mae, Pearlie J., Sally Faye, Flora Bell, Katherine, Robert Lee, Mary D., Paul, and Jonathan. Mr. Jackson's name was derived from his father's name in reverse. He was affectionately called "Wu D", Jack, Daddy, Granddaddy and Papa D or Deacon Willie D. Our beloved Mr. Jackson received his wings on October 1, 2023 during his stay at a nursing facility in Laurel, MD. Mr. Jackson is preceded in death by his wife, Viola Florence Jackson, his parents, and siblings Bertie Mae Morrow, Pearlie J. Jackson, Sally Faye Burruss, Flora Bell Nixon, Katherine Jackson, Robert Lee Jackson, Mary D. Mitchell and Paul Jackson and his son-in-law James L. Bullock, Jr. Mr. Jackson grew up in Gainesville, GA and received his early education at Beulah Rucker School and later attended Fair Street School where he received his diploma. After high school, while on an errand to the local drycleaners he saw a pretty new face working there that wasn't originally from Gainesville. He would go there frequently until he got the nerve up to ask her out on a date. This pretty young lady was Viola Florence Rucker and would eventually become his wife for 71 years! After marriage he was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Korean War. From this union there were three children, Kenneth, Sharon Elaine, and Duane Kernard. Mr. Jackson grew up in the church and was a loyal and devoted member of Mt. Calvary Church of God Holiness in Gainesville, GA, under the leadership of the late Elder William Oliver, the Late Elder T.R. McBride, and current pastor, Elder Roger L. Owens. He loved the church and was always willing to serve. There he served as a Deacon of the church, a Trustee on the Finance Committee and regularly helped with the maintenances of the church until his health began to decline. Mr. Jackson grew up on his father's farm and was taught a lot about landscaping and maintenance. He worked for Leece Neville in maintenance and maintained the grounds of major churches and provided custodial services to WGGA, several doctors offices such as Burns, White & French and Stribling, Poole & Jennings (with the late Mr. Golden Bailey). He also maintained the landscaping at the homes of the doctors who employed him. One of his favorite jobs was detailing the cars at Nalley Chevrolet. His love for cars started with his first car in the 1930s which was a A-Model Ford which he kept immaculate. This pride would be shown in every car and truck he would own going forward. Mr. Jackson was a man of few words, but one thing he loved and could keep the conversation going, was his favorite pastime, watching and going to live Wrestling Matches. It was a Friday night ritual to gather his buddies to ride down to Atlanta to enjoy the sport in person. Just to name a few, his partners included, the late Mr. Charles Sims, William Wells, John Evans, Sr., Curtis Rucker, Robert Hopkins, and others (all deceased). Mr. Jackson also enjoyed hunting with the late Mr. Homer Williams and the late Mr. William Wells. Mr. Jackson was a Gentle Sweet Man of God and will be missed by all the lives he touched. His eternal love will be missed and cherished by his Three children - Kenneth (Patience) Jackson, (Oakwood, GA); Sharon Jackson Bullock (Washington, DC); Dr. Duane K.(Beverly) Jackson, (Elkridge, MD); Five grandchildren - Kenneth Gregory (Monica) Jackson (Hoschton, GA); Demeco L. Jackson (Stone Mountain, GA); Jonathan F. Bullock (Bethesda, MD); Niema (Tony)Smith, (Sykesville, MD); Archie (Danielle) Trader IV (Reisterstown, MD); Six great grandchildren - M'Kaylah J. Jackson, Ada Grace Jackson, Hudson Gregory Jackson, Justin Trader, Sean Trader, Morgan Trader; Brother- Jonathan Jackson (Gainesville, GA); Sister in-law - Mrs. Sammie Sue Rucker (Commerce, GA); God-daughter - Crystal A. Lipscomb (Evan) Parker (East Pointe, GA); A Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family & friends.

Willie D. Jackson

November 5, 1929 - October 1, 2023