William Robert Jackson III

William Robert "Bud" Jackson III passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 at the age of 50, surrounded by his family in Durham, North Carolina.
Bud was born on September 12, 1975, in Durham, North Carolina where he attended Southern Durham High School before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in 1993. He served onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Gentian where he participated in icebreaking operations as well as Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Able Manor, and the Cuban Migration (Balsero Crisis) of 1994.
After his service in the Coast Guard, Bud continued his service to his country by enlisting in the United States Naval Reserve (1998). Bud served as a Construction Electrician in the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) and served as a Combat Instructor prior to and at the beginning of the Global War on Terror. As a part of Amphibious Construction Battalion 2, Bud deployed to Kuwait, and Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bud later deployed to Morocco as part of Operation African Lion. He retired from the Navy in 2015 having served his country for over two decades and attaining many awards and medals some of which include: Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Coast Guard Cutterman Insignia, and Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Pin.
Bud also served his community by becoming a Durham County Sheriff's Deputy in 1999. During his time with the Sheriff's Department, Bud attained the Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Department of Justice. While working full time as a Deputy and serving his country through multiple deployments, Bud was also able to pursue his Associate's and Bachelor's Degree from Campbell University becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. He also found the time to author three books. Bud retired from the Sheriff's Department in 2020 as a Corporal and Crisis Prevention Officer.
Throughout Bud's entire journey, he had by his side his beloved wife Michelle of 32 years. Bud knew the first time he saw her that she would be his wife, and together they created a beautiful family welcoming four daughters over the course of their marriage; Anna, Lauren, Chloe, and Mackenzie. Bud was first and foremost a family man who was devoted to his girls. A man's man and a girl dad, Bud could be found brushing any of his daughters' hair before taking them out in the woods to teach them how to shoot and handle firearms. He enjoyed nature and was an avid historian. Nothing ever made him happier than being with his girls.
Bud is survived by his beloved wife Michelle, his daughters Anna Mazzeo (Nick), Lauren Jackson (Kannon Richter), Chloe Jackson, and Mackenzie Jackson, his two grandchildren Hadley and Jackson Mazzeo, his sister Tracy, his brother Rick (Meghan), and his parents, Robert, and Kathy Jackson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by his grandparents William and Mildred Jackson and Garland and Catherine Tripp.
Visitation with the family will be held at Clements Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm A service to celebrate Bud's life will be held on Friday, January 16th at 1:00 pm at Clements Funeral Home in Durham, North Carolina with a graveside service to follow at Pleasant Green Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina.
Flowers can be sent to Clements Funeral Home, or donations can be made to Duke Hock Family Pavilion Hospice Facility in his honor.