Harold Jackson

Harold Everett Jackson, a dedicated family man, respected community leader, and generous benefactor, passed away on September 11, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on March 15, 1940, in Putnam County, Tennessee, Harold was a man of integrity, wisdom, and boundless love.

Harold was the beloved husband of Willene Brewington Jackson, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Jeff (Penny) Jackson, Mark Jackson, Renee (Steve) Huddleston, and Kim (Steve) Van De Voorde. His grandchildren, Haley (Eli) King, Hayden Jackson, Cody Huddleston, Rachel (Dylan) Fisher, Alison (Andrew) Wisdom, Brittany Sparks, Lauren Rice, and Sara Beth Van De Voorde, were the light of his life. Harold also had the joy of knowing his great-grandchildren, Ellery King, Oliver and Eliza Huddleston, Holland and Henry Wisdom, and Layna Rice. He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Edna Miller Jackson, his brother, Ronald "Woody" Jackson, and grandson-in-law, Landon Rice.

Harold's professional life was marked by dedicated service. He served as a helicopter pilot in the US Army with the 101st Airborne and the TN National Guard, demonstrating courage and commitment to his country. Following his military service, Harold worked for the US Postal Service, eventually becoming the postmaster at Byrdstown, TN. In his later years, he found success as a real estate developer, contributing significantly to the growth and development of his beloved Cookeville.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harold was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Al Menah Shrine Temple in Nashville, the Cookeville Masonic Lodge #266 FA&M, and the Cookeville Rotary Club. Harold's civic-mindedness extended to local politics, where he served terms as council member, vice mayor, and mayor for the City of Cookeville. He was a passionate advocate for senior citizens, serving on the board for the Cookeville Senior Activity Center, and championing issues that directly impacted seniors.

Above all, Harold was a family man. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He was a loving husband, a wise father, and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy will continue to live on through them.

Funeral services honoring Harold will be at 1 p.m. Thursday September 14 at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Mark Gaw will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Sand Springs Memorial Gardens. His family will receive friends Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinerschildrens.org or the Cookeville Senior Activity Center, 186 South Walnut Avenue, Cookeville, Tn 38501.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.