Franklin Jerome Jackson
(HUNTSVILLE) Franklin Jerome Jackson, 86, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jeannette Sue Bragg Jackson; his daughter, Alison Bowden (spouse, Carlos); his son, John Jackson (spouse, Jennifer); his sister, Nan Bonner (spouse, “Spec”); and eight grandchildren, Diana Bowden, Cole Bowden, Alan Bowden, Rachel Jackson, Timothy Jackson, Christopher Taylor, Lauren Taylor and Whitney Taylor; great-grandchild, Kieran Fuller; along with a host of other extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, John Franklin Jackson, and his mother, Etta Norene Jackson.
Frank was born in Rock Mills in 1937, attending elementary and middle school there, and he graduated from Handley High School in Roanoke. His activities included football, basketball and baseball. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama in 1960 and continued his education by earning his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama in 1965.
Excellence and mastery marked his professional career with a long successful performance across the country and overseas in various locations, including Paris, France; Munich, Germany; and Diego Garcia (2,000 miles off the coast of Africa). In Frank’s younger days, he worked on the pipeline in Louisiana and Mississippi; and later, Marshall Spaceflight Center; Planning Research Corporation; SAFEGUARD Systems Command; US Roland Project Office; US Army Missile Laboratory; US Army’s Remotely Piloted Vehicle Program; Boeing International Space Station Program, AMCOM and teaching at the Defense Acquisition University. Frank was an award-winning consultant and active in business development to discover new opportunities. He worked tirelessly for his family and was recognized with many awards: a Superior Performance Award, several Outstanding Performance Awards, several Exceptional Performance Awards, and he was nominated for a Senior Executive Award. As a special honor, Frank received a letter of Commendation from Dr. Werner von Braun, Marshall Spaceflight Center Director.
In his personal life, Frank gave all glory and honor to Jesus Christ, who provides all our many blessings. He gave his life to the Lord when he was 11, after a visiting evangelist shared a meal in their home. For nearly 60 years, he was an active member of Whitesburg Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, chairman of the finance committee, member of the building committee, the initial launch team for Whitesburg Christian Academy, and Sunday school teacher. Frank shared a wonderful life with his family, making memories with his grandchildren along the way. Playing golf and investing time in Orange Beach were two of his favorite activities. Frank enjoyed Alabama football – ROLL TIDE – often winning the annual football pool as well as going over picks with his son, John, each week during the fall.
Frank lived a full life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. He could brighten any room with his personality and smile. His work ethic, integrity and standards of excellence were admired by those who knew him.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 31 at the Chapel at Whitesburg Baptist Church (south campus at 7300 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL 35802), with visitation at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Darryl Craft officiating. There will be a private family gathering at the grave site.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whitesburg Baptist Church Building Program, ATTN: Beverly Dishman, 6806 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL 38502. (https://www.whitesburgbaptist.org/give/, please specify the Building Program)
