Willard D. Jackson

Willard D. Jackson (known affectionately as “Dee” or “Jack”) was the youngest born to Willie Zack and Carrie Hutchinson Jackson. He was born on September 3, 1930 and peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly abode on Friday, January 10, 2020.

Willard accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Greensboro, Georgia where he served on the usher board. Willard had a perpetual love and reverence for the Lord. He constantly spoke with the Lord through prayer and taught his family to do the same.

He received his formal education at Greensboro High School in Greensboro, Georgia.

He married Corine Rhodes on April 11, 1948 after a courtship of 4 years. Five children were born to this union.

Willard was a master of all of trades who enjoyed using his skills to assist family members. He honed his expertise in the areas of mechanics, carpentry, electrics, landscaping and gardening at the age of 16 when he assisted his brother, Walter, build a home in Greensboro, Georgia. Years later, after relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio. Willard once again utilized his craftsmanship to remodel his brother, Lester’s apartment building.

Willard was a hard worker who cherished providing for his family. He was employed for several years as a diesel mechanic at Middle States Trucking Company. He ultimately retired from Ryder P.I.E. Trucking Company.

He was a Mason and a talented baseball player who once considered trying out for the Cincinnati Reds.

Willard is the epitome of a selfless servant. He used his talents and resources to help others. He made immeasurable sacrifices to provide for his family. He was an excellent leader who lived by the adage of “carpe diem,” encouraging all to slow down, seize the moment, and enjoy life. His strong exterior housed a gentle and caring heart.

He made all feel welcome, as no one was a stranger. He loved to reminisce on his younger days and share stories with his family. He was loquacious, friendly, and loved to joke. Never one to bite his tongue, Willard freely shared his opinion and advice with others not out of malice, but out of love.

The center of Willard’s life was family. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie Zack and Carrie Jackson (Hutchinson), brothers Lester J. Ward Sr., Jurodd Jackson, Walter Jackson, Willie Robert Jackson, sisters Annie B. (Jackson) Cunningham and Julia Elizabeth Jackson.

Through his hard work, love and dedication, Willard built a strong legacy of men and women. He leaves to celebrate his homegoing; his wife of 71 years Corine Rhodes Jackson, five children born to this union, Judiffie “Judy” (Richard) preceded in death, Gale (Richardine), Kenneth (Michele), Loretta (Kevin), & Gregory (Kim). Thirteen grandchildren Richard (Kelly), Keith (Krystal), Kenneth (Sandy), Kenan (Shawanda), Maiya (Edward), Raquel, Nikita, Kiah, Deja, Kameron (Brianna), Nia, Naya, and Kayla; Nineteen Great-Grandchildren, Eleven Great-Great Grandchildren, extended family and a host of nieces and nephews.

Willard will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willard D. Jackson, please visit our floral store.