His Pilgrimage

Willie Jackson, Jr., 90, a beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on February 20, 2024.

Visitation will take place Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The funeral service to honor his life and his passing will be held at 12:30 p.m. on the same day at the same location. Pastor Robert E. Lee, Sr., will officiate.

As a military veteran who served his country with dedication and devotion above self, his burial will take place at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Born in Chatfield, Texas, to Willie Jackson, Sr., and Johnnie Mae (Langston) Jackson, Willie's life was guided by love, service and commitment.

He was a big man with a loving heart! He lived a good, long life, and GOD called him home, where he will be reunited with his mother and father. He learned well from his parents, who did not teach with words as much as they taught with actions. All you had to do was watch and learn about things like caring, hard work, helping hands, LOVE and FAMILY.

Growing up, he was always willing to earn his way by cutting yards, doing odd jobs, and working with his father. He graduated from Corsicana High School, where he was a good student who also had a love of music. He played the saxophone, which was a big purchase for his parents in those days. They loved their son, and having that one child was like having more because of the strong work ethic and commitment he had to his parents.

The military was his chosen career. He became a flight engineer, and his United States Air Force career took him to almost every continent. He logged his flying hours on the C-130 Hercules as part of the crew transporting cargo and troops and being used for medical evacuation and humanitarian missions.

His duties required him to navigate the aircraft over unfamiliar territory in countries overseas like Vietnam, Greece, Turkey, Spain, England and Germany. Several were top-secret missions. He also flew training missions stateside in Arkansas, Nevada, and Alaska, to name a few.

During his military career, he was recognized with numerous medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Accommodation Medal. His distinctive accomplishments culminated in a distinguished 25-year career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

After retiring from the military, he came back to Texas and began a second career. His extensive knowledge of aircraft systems enabled him to gain employment as a flight instructor for American Airlines. He taught students and recertified pilots to fly the Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft. He retired from American Airlines in December 1996, after 16 years of dedicated service; he was recognized at the beginning of 1996 for perfect attendance.

When he wasn't teaching students, he spent time helping his parents on their farm and safeguarding the property that they had worked hard for, as it had been passed down through the generations. He was proud of his John Deere tractor, which helped him cultivate the land, raise cattle, and provide feed for them all.

When he wasn't on his prize tractor, he was on the golf course. He was a whiz in the kitchen, too, and you could smell his barbecue miles away, calling you to come take a bite at the house he shared with his wife, Veda Jackson, who was by his side until the end.

He was a wonderful man, son, father and husband. He could fuss and cuss, but all you had to do was look between the words, and you knew behind it was LOVE.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Veda Jackson, and his six living children with his former wife, Clara Green. His living children are Sarah Harris; Willie Jackson, III (Shannon); Frederick Jackson (Elaine); Vanassa Joseph (Phillip); Gwen Jackson; and David Jackson (Monica).

He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as beloved cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Samuel Jackson.

The family would like to thank their family, friends and loved ones for their thoughts, prayers and kindness. The family would also like to send a special "Thank You" to his grandson Dwayne and his wife Rayelynn for their tireless support the last couple of months while visiting from California. His memory will be sustained by all who knew him.