William P. "Bill" Jackson

William P. "Bill" Jackson, 82, died Sunday morning, Oct. 12, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, in Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tenn. He was born in Franklinton, N.C., on May 27, 1926, the youngest child of Thurston Jasper and Jewell Hight Jackson. He attended N.C. State University and was a 1949 graduate of Wake Forest College, remaining a lifelong fan of the Demon Deacons. He was a soldier in the 69th Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II, and saw active combat duty in the European Theater of Operations while serving in Belgium, France and Germany. He was awarded numerous medals and ribbons, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Bronze Star Medal. After a brief stint in the FBI, he worked in Danville, Pulaski and Altavista, Va., and, Chattanooga, Tenn., before moving to Marion in 1961, where he was employed by Brunswick Corp. as an Industrial Engineer. He later worked at Emerson Electric Co. in Wytheville and as an Industrial Consultant. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Marion the L.W. Kelly Sunday school Class, and was a 46-year member of the Church's Chancel Choir, where he inspired many with his baritone solos. He also performed with the Marion Choral Society and the Bristol Concert Choir. He was a member of the Marion Kiwanas Club, Marion VFW, Holston Hills Country Club, Marion Investment Club, and was a former longtime member of the Marion Lions Club. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed golf, tennis, gardening, and bird watching, especially Bluebirds. An accomplished trumpeter, he briefly performed with bands during the Big Band era. He was a direct descendent of Captain John Woodlief, who led the first Thanksgiving celebration among British colonists at Berkeley Plantation in 1619. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Edith H. Jackson and a brother, T. Jasper Jackson Jr. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Frances Ratcliffe Jackson; two sons, W. Patrick Jackson Jr., and wife, Lettie, of Bristol, Tenn., and Jeffrey S. Jackson of Marion; one very special grandson, Thomas P. Jackson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special longtime friends. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jonathan Jonas officiating. Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski. Following the graveside services, the family invites friends to the home of his sister-in-law, Betty Lou Ratcliffe Kirkner, 4568 Miller Lane, Pulaski, Va. The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Marion. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Music Ministry, First United Methodist Church, 115 S. Church Street, Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaver-brown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.