Donald Wayne Jackson

Donald Jackson, age 86, of Zebulon, passed away at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 19, 1939, in Wake County, to the late Willie Elwood Jackson and Sadie Hopkins Jackson.

Donald worked for Westinghouse Meter Division for around 20 years. With his passion for farming, he returned to the farm in 1977, with his son, forming Jackson Farms. He continued in agriculture for many years until his health no longer permitted.

He was one of the Original firemen in the Hopkins Rural Fire Department having served as Assistant Fire Chief in the early years. He retired with 20 years of volunteer service.

Donald loved children and spoiled many in the community, especially his grandchildren.

He had a great love for horses and enjoyed many trail rides and annual wagon trains in the NC mountains with family and friends. He was a member of the Classic Car Group and assisted in coaching the Hopkins Men's ball team. He was also a member of Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church. In his later years when he was no longer able to work, he loved to circle the Hopkins community and was known as the Safety Patrol. If your car broke down- just stay still because Donald would be by in a few minutes.

Donald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet Perry Jackson; son, Terry D. Jackson (Wanda) of Zebulon; daughter, Tammy Jackson Quintilio (David) of Cumming, Georgia; grandchildren: Rebekah J. Blaylock (Jarrett), Caleb D. Jackson (Brooke), Dylan P. Quintilio; great grandchildren: Parker Blaylock, Lennon Rose Jackson; sister, Judy Jackson Hocutt; sisters-in-law: Betty P. Turnipseed, Joy Perry, Lisa Perry; brother-in-law, Danny Perry and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church, 4525 Hopkins Chapel Rd, Zebulon. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, and other times at the home.

The family wants to thank his caregiver, Denise, and Heartland Hospice employees: Jenna, Sandy and Stephanie.

Flowers welcome or donations may be made to Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church Land Purchase Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.