Joseph Wendell Jackson

Joseph Wendell Jackson, of Alachua, passed away gently at his home on December 7, 2024, at the age of 81. Born in Lee, Florida on November 19, 1943, Wendell's journey took him through the sun-soaked orange groves of Leesburg and across highways as a truck driver, but it was his spirit and devotion to family that defined his legacy.

Wendell's career began modestly after marrying his beloved wife, Wanda, in 1963. They moved to Leesburg for a brief period, where he toiled in the orange groves, earning a mere 53 cents an hour. However, his tenacity and determination soon caught the eye of an employer, earning him a promotion to operate a trimmer machine, which brought him a better wage at 93 cents an hour. By the time he was 21, Wendell had embraced the adventurous life of a truck driver, starting out with Hercules in Starke, then with Shadd Trucking for many years and ended his driving career with Whitehead Brothers in Starke. After which he took on the role of over-the-road truck driver a vocation he cherished with Wanda until finally parking his semi in 2008, turning his concentration to his family. 

Beyond the steering wheel, Wendell pursued a plethora of hobbies which gave his life joy. He reveled in the thrill of hog hunting and the tranquility of fishing—saltwater fishing, in particular, stirred his heart. Despite never mastering the art of swimming, he found exhilaration in water skiing, daringly balancing on one foot. His love for the great outdoors extended to horseback riding and barrel racing, where he proudly served as the president of the Baker County Riding Club. Wendell’s green thumb shone brightly as he dedicated time to planting gardens that yielded fresh vegetables, which he lovingly canned. He raised cows and pigs, ensuring his family's table was filled with nourishment from his own hands.

Wendell leaves behind a warm and loving family who carry forth his legacy. His children, Joseph (Martha) Jackson of Lake Butler, Gwendolyn (Steve) Bailey of Inverness, and Wendy (Charlie) Eatmon of Santa Fe. His grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) Davis, Joey (Kacie) Jackson, Justin Waters, Jordan (Cheyanne) Cazee, Katelynn (Brianna) Bailey, Ryan (Lauren) Lee, and Summer Eatmon, will pass down stories of his adventures to future generations. His great-grandchildren, Allie, Jaye, C.J., Korbin, Madison, Tripp, Asher, Callie, Colten, Jessa, and India, will surely come to know the legacy of love he left behind.

Wendell's heartfelt connection to family does not stop there. He was cherished by his sister, Betty (Glynn) Morgan of Hawthorne, and had a caretaker, son, and friend in Robert Black, Jr. of Santa Fe, who shared in the warmth of his life during his later years.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph B. "Tobe" and Bessie W. Jackson; love of his life, Wanda A. Jackson; his son, Brian Jackson; and his sister, Josephine Glover. 

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024. friends and family are invited to celebrate his life during visitation at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler from 10:00am until 11:00am. A graveside service will immediately follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to the love of his life, Wanda. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jackson family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com