William "Bill" Jackson
William “Bill" Lewis Jackson, 77 went to be with the Lord peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville Virginia. Bill Lewis was born on April 5, 1947, in Charlottesville to the late John Russell Jackson, Sr. and the late Eliza Dickerson Barbour.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, John Thomas Jackson and Barry Jackson; sisters, Yvonne Jackson, Martha Rose, Loretta Barbour and Elizabeth Jackson; and a special dog, Becca Jackson.
Immediately after graduating from Nelson County High School, he was drafted into the US Army and served as a Combat engineer in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1950 Device, Sharpshooter (M-16), Marksman(M-14) and two Overseas Bars for his brave service. Conagra Foods is where he worked for 30 years as a line supervisor and met his beautiful wife, Otelia. Bill ended his working career at Hershey Chocolate after 12 years of service. Concurrently during his career, he also worked for Dramond Facility Services and eventually opened his own cleaning business, Jackson Janitorial Services.
Bill was a big Dallas Cowboys, UVA, Dodgers and Taylor Swift fan. He also had a great love for baseball, cars, and entertaining anyone willing to receive him and his foolishness. He never knew a stranger, if you met him once, it felt like you had known him forever. He had a way of making you laugh, but also making you feel individually special and important, at the same time. If he was made aware of a person in need, he would either personally meet the need or help by providing a resource to support the need being met. He will be remembered for being a hard worker, good father, loving papa, and a generous soul.
Left to cherish his memories is his devoted wife of 52 years, Otelia Jackson; three amazing daughters, Aline “Nanny” Jackson-Diggs (Isaac), Andrea “Nicole” Jackson, and Ashleigh N. Jackson, all of Waynesboro, VA; three beautiful granddaughters, Kierra Jackson, Kylynn Diggs and Aylah Armstrong; one great granddaughter, Kari-Leigh "Teeny-Weenie" Jackson and a special dog, Co-Co. He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Robert Jackson andDaniel Jackson of Richmond, VA;John “Skibo" Jackson Jr. (Allene) andRoger Jackson of Waynesboro, VA; Matthew Barbour of Scottsville, VA; Annie Myers of Afton, VA; Mozell Henderson and Doretha Brooks of Roanoke, VA;Liza-Jane Barbour of Charlottesville, VA. He is also survived by his sister -in laws; Patrica Brice (Bob) and Pamela Pollard of Richmond, VA, a brother-in-law, Bobby Price of Goochland, VA and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of special friends and family.
The family extends a special thank you to the Veteran Administration- McGuire Hospital, Martha Jefferson’s hospital staff, Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation center, and Hospice of the Piedmont for the compassionate care provided during the health transition of Mr. Jackson.
The family also extends their deepest gratitude for the support, monetary gifts and prayers received from our family, friends and church families.
Family and Friends night, open to the public, will be held at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 4-6pm.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Union Baptist Church,783 Avon Road, Afton, VA 22920, conducted by Reverend Lloyd Martin.
To send Bill Lewis off in style, please wear your Dallas Cowboys, UVA or Dodgers gear to the Family and Friends night and/or Memorial Service.
The family has entrusted the care of Bill Lewis to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939.
