Ernest Elmer Jackson

Ernest Elmer Jackson, age 88, died peacefully at home on 9 April 2019. He was born in Rochelle, Wilcox County, Georgia, on 21 August 1930 (his actual birthdate; his legal birthday was 21 September 1930). He was the sixth of the six sons of William Joseph and Suzanna Eliza (Sudie) DuBose Jackson.

            After graduation from Rochelle High School in 1950, Ernest joined the United States Navy. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to Bremerton, Washington, to help take the WWII aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard out of mothballs. Ernest served as an aircraft mechanic aboard the BHR, serving two tours in the Sea of Japan during the Korean War. During this time he married Willie Maude Britt of Rochelle, Ga. Later in his Navy career he was stationed at Mayport, Florida, where he also served in the Military Police. For his Navy service, Ernest was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (First Award), National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation (European Clasp) United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. After serving five years, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Rochelle. He commuted to a Civil Service position as an aircraft mechanic at Robins Air Force Base. During this time he started Jackson Service Company, his appliance repair business.

            In 1956 Ernest joined the United States Air Force where he worked on B-47s and B-52s.   Ernest was part of SAC (Strategic Air Command), serving as crew chief for a B-52. During his 16-year Air Force career, he was stationed at Biggs AFB at El Paso, TX; Eglin AFB at Ft. Walton, FL; Lackland AFB at San Antonio, TX; Turner AFB at Albany, GA; and he retired from Barksdale AFB at Bossier City, LA in 1972 with the rank of Tech Sergeant. For his service in the USAF, Ernest was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

            Ernest returned to Rochelle, working for ParGas Company while also continuing his appliance repair business. In 1975 he began teaching Automotives and Small Engines at Wilcox County High School, earning vocational teaching credentials through Georgia Southern University. He continued teaching until 1985 when he began work with Total Service Company in Macon, Georgia.

            Throughout his life, Ernest Jackson was involved in community service. At age 19, Ernest was among the crew of men and boys who dug a basement under First Baptist Church of Rochelle. Ernest was raised a Master Mason on 26 September 1970 in Bossier City, Louisiana. After retiring back to his hometown, Ernest affiliated with Rochelle Lodge No. 190 where he held numerous offices and twice served as Master of the Lodge.

            In 1987, Ernest married Priscilla Grant Doster of Monroe County, Georgia, and moved to Forsyth. He was a substitute school bus driver during the first few years he was in Forsyth as he built his Jackson Service Company appliance repair business locally. He operated Emerald J Farms with Priscilla where they raised cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats and a few chickens.

            Ernest joined Strict Observance Lodge No. 18 and twice was Master of this lodge. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of Al Sihah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., and a member and Past President of the Middle George Shrine Club. He was a member of the Harley Davidson Parade Unit at Al Sihah and served as Captain of that unit. He belonged to Knights of Mecca and was a member in good standing and Past Patron in the Order of the Eastern Star.

            Ernest served as President of the Forsyth Lions Club. He was a member and on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Georgia Cattlemen's Association and a member and former Chair of the Monroe County Cattlemen's Association. Ernest was formerly a member of the Monroe County Saddle Club and worked with Habitat for Humanity. On many occasions he saw a need and addressed that need on an individual basis--not part of an organized group. These ranged from rewiring, plumbing, and appliance repair for elderly or economically disadvantaged individuals to securing appliances, home repair and assistance with utilities, especially for widows, elderly individuals and single parents. For 28 years Ernest was a member of Forsyth First Baptist Church where he served on the Properties Committee and twice served on construction mission teams sponsored by FBC which addressed hurricane and tornado damage in South Caroline (Hurricane Hugo) and North Carolina. Ernest remained an active member of the FBC Prime Time Sunday School Class. Since 2015 he had been an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

            Ernest proposed the Monroe County Veterans Memorial after being inspired by a similar memorial in his home county. He served as Co-Chairman of the Monroe County Veterans Memorial Committee since its inception. He managed all paperwork, sales arrangements, purchases, transportation, and installation associated with the Monroe County Veterans Memorial. Along with fellow committee members, he secured funding for the Memorial; solicited support from individuals, businesses, and government entities; and planned Veterans Day Observations. The military service of more than 750 Monroe County citizens has been recognized as part of the Memorial.           

            In 2010, Ernest was named "Mason of the Year" by Strict Observance Lodge No.18 for his work with the Monroe County Veterans Memorial and his other volunteer efforts serving Monroe County. In February, 2012, he was presented the United Daughters of the Confederacy Judah P. Benjamin Award by Cabaniss Chapter 415. In May, 2012, he was named "Veteran of the Year" by Shiloh Baptist Church. In August, 2017, he received the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Medal of Honor, having been nominated by the Lt. James Monroe Chapter for his work initiating and completing the Monroe County Veterans Memorial as well as his many years of community service.

            In addition to his parents, Ernest was predeceased by his five brothers: Willie Joe, Jr. (US Army, WWII), Ralph (US Army, WWII), James Randolph (died in infancy), Julius Moncrief (US Marines, WWII, Korea, VietNam), and Walter DuBose (US Marines, WWII; US Army Airborne, Korea, Viet Nam).

            Ernest is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years, Priscilla Grant Doster, and five children: David Jackson, Sharon Jackson King, Jim Jackson (wife Terri), Amanda Doster Parks (husband Keith), and Katherine Doster Fletcher (husband Will). Ernest was the beloved "Papa" to 18 grandchildren: Dylan Jackson, Tripp Wilson, Richard Dunagan (Kelly), Danny Dunagan (Amanda), Chris Dunagan (Rachel), Kristy King, Holly King Davis, Amanda Jackson, Melissa Jackson Singletary (Derek), Sara Jackson Rountree (Wesley), Trent Jackson (Taylor), Caleb Jackson, Tia Chastain, Liam Parks, Carter Fletcher, Larkin Fletcher, Emerson Fletcher, and Willow Kate Fletcher; and 12 great-grandchildren: Jackson Dunagan, Joseph Dunagan, Hayden Dunagan, Owen Dunagan, Lane Dunagan, Sailor Burnham, Davis Snead, Madison Jackson, Emma Jackson, Zoe Jackson, James Wesley Rountree and Nova Ruth Rountree.

            He is also survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Jackson of Rochelle and Leigh Grant of Forsyth, four nieces: Deborah Jackson McDonald, Jessica Grant, Natalie Grant Estes (Aaron), and Amelia Grant White (Patrick); and five nephews Rickey Jackson (Karen), Kenny Jackson, Bruce Jackson (Kathy), Barrett Grant (Beth), and Michael Grant (Sara); and one first cousin, Winola Claville.

            The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Caldwell and Monroe County Hospital, Amedysis Home Health, Hospice Care Options, and to Ernest's six faithful day and night caregivers.

            Visitation will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday, April 12. A celebration of Ernest's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Shiloh Baptist Church. Visitation will be held in Ernest's hometown from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 13 at Frazier and Sons Funeral Home, Rochelle, Georgia, with funeral services to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at First Baptist Church of Rochelle. Burial with a Masonic service and military honors will follow in Morningside Cemetery, Rochelle, Georgia.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals, % Al Sihah Temple, 222 Mecca Drive, Macon, GA 31206 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517,Topeka, Kansas   66675-8517.

            Monroe County Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements in Forsyth. Frazier and Son will have charge of arrangements in Rochelle.