William Henry Jackson Jr.

WILLIAM’S JOURNEY William Henry Jackson, Jr., Billy, Bill Jack, Uncle Billy or Bill Bill as he was affectionately called, at the age of seventy-nine (79), peacefully took his angel’s hand and transitioned from Earth to Glory on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Genesis Healthcare Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Born in Delmar, Maryland on January 10, 1943, he was the son of the late William H. Jackson, Sr. and Dorothy M. Jackson. As a young child, Billy was stricken with Polio but did not let Polio define who he was or control his life. As a youth, he attended Old Union Church in Delmar, Maryland and was a member of the Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and Gay Feathers 4-H Club, where he earned many awards for his agricultural knowledge and skills. At the time of his demise, he attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Quantico, Maryland. Billy received his formal education in the public schools of Wicomico County, graduating from Salisbury High School. In addition to playing football, he surpassed the students in his auto mechanics class, and because of his exceptional skills in auto mechanics, he was offered a job with Cavanaugh Auto Dealership in Salisbury, Maryland upon his graduation. Other employments included Moore’s in Salisbury, Maryland, Hoffmann La Roche in Delmar, Delaware, Taxicab Driver for Bailey’s Taxi Company in Salisbury, Maryland and Carpentry work with Barry Groton. On February 4, 1974, at the age of twenty-nine (29), Billy became the first black volunteer fireman for the Delmar Fire Department in Delmar, Delaware. While an active member, he served on the Ways and Means Committee and remained a faithful member until he moved to Salisbury, Maryland in 1978. Billy married the love of his life, Darlene, on October 7, 2012. Their years of mutual admiration, respect and lots of fun extend well beyond the last ten years they shared as husband and wife. Billy was not satisfied and could not get a good start to his day until he had pushed all of Darlene’s buttons just to get her started. It gave him great joy to share these unforgettable moments with her. He leaves to cherish loving memories: his soul mate of forty-three (43) years, Darlene Griffin Jackson of Salisbury, Maryland; two stepdaughters, Lynette Copes and husband Blankford of Salisbury, Maryland; Lisa Wise of Glen Burnie, Maryland; one stepson, William Jones and wife Shekia of Salisbury, Maryland; six step-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; from a previous marriage he leaves two sons, Ryan Leon Jackson and wife Malyssa of Miami Florida and Dric Lorenzo Jackson of Salisbury, Maryland; one daughter, Tia Shante’ Jackson of Hillsborough, North Carolina; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, George Jackson and wife Jaletta of Wilmington, Delaware; one sister-in-law, Lavern Griffin; one brother-in-law, Anthony Griffin; foster brother, Ronnie Smiley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Doris Anna Louise Jackson, Barbara Bethenia Jackson Reed and Ivy Harriet Jackson; one son, Eric Henry Jackson; mother-in-law, Dorine Mitchell Griffin; father-in-law, George Washington Griffin, Sr. and brother-in-law, George Washington Griffin, Jr. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

William Henry Jackson Jr.

January 10, 1943 - October 1, 2022