Gordon Jackson

Mr. Gordon Martin Jackson, age 88, of Biloxi, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at his residence.

Mr. Jackson was a native of Elizabethton, Tennessee and a resident of Biloxi at the time of his passing.  He was a graduate of Douglas High School in Elizabethton and he attended Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he met Melveen  Green Jackson.  They were married on December 25, 1953.

Dad will be remembered as a man who inspired and educated many simply by just the way he carried himself and the unconditional love he extended to family and friends alike, shaping his legacy to be described as a great model example.

He long demonstrated the high class and dignity he carried as an avid athlete. After playing on an undefeated high school football team at Elizabethton’s Douglas High School, he also played with the historic Elizabethton Blue Grays Negro League baseball team for one year and – behind strong work ethics and sportsmanship – would go on to constantly be the most inspiring player on the many military sports teams he played for throughout his Air Force career.

Dad is lovingly remembered as the ‘King of Corny Jokes’ and he loved to laugh and be surrounded by his family and friends.  Whenever possible, he gathered everyone together at the closest buffet-style restaurant. (He never met a buffet he didn’t like!)

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Melveen D. Jackson, his parents, Robert Lee Jackson and Katie L. Jackson of Elizabethton, TN; his siblings, William D. Jackson, Eugene A. Jackson, Ola Mae Taylor, Nevada Jackson Ford. Survivors include his children, Gordon M. Jackson, Jr., Reginald T. Jackson, Robert M. Jackson, Kenneth D. Jackson and wife, Karen M. Jackson, Constance L. Jackson, Jackson J. Jackson, Sharise L. Harper and husband, Terry L. Harper, and Talia L. Jackson; his 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will conduct their own Memorial Service via Zoom this Saturday, August 21st at 2:00 p.m. (CST).

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, West Jackson County, is serving the family.