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Mr. Anthony Jackson, age 66, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021.
Drive through visitation will be Sunday, December 26, 2021 from 3 PM to 5 PM at the funeral home.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11 AM at Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 3225 Headland Avenue, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
Burial will immediately follow the service at Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
HISTORY - Enlistment: The Grand Arrival
June 11, 1955 was a foggy, rainy day in Frankfurt, Germany, when Anthony Terry Jackson made his entrance into the world. His arrival was as original as he was, being that he was the only one out of 5 Jackson children to be born in another country. "Ant", as he was affectionately called by his family and others, was the oldest of the three boys and a baby brother to his two older sisters. He was fearless, adventurous, fun-loving, loyal and protective even as a child. When he loved, it was from a deep place and it was unwavering. Everyone who knew him also knew how much he loved his family and how much he loved God!
Active Duty: A Man of Many Talents
Growing up, Ant was a Boy Scout and loved to play basketball and baseball. He was a melodious songster who didn't meet a song that he couldn't sing. Being a natural born leader, people gravitated to him. One of his favorite things to do was to be with his "crew"! No matter where he was in the world, he managed to have a tightknit group of friends that all remained loyal to their lifelong friendship. Anthony was a gentle giant and children were naturally drawn to him. He was like his father, being a lover of dogs, and especially catered to his grand dog, Savannah. He loved to have cookouts and barbecued for his family and friends. You could always guarantee if Ant was there, it would be fun and there would be laughter.
After graduating from Dothan High School in 1973, Ant was awarded a basketball scholarship from Wallace State Community College, where he played until an automobile accident prevented him from continuing. That's when he decided to follow in his Father's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Army. He served many tours overseas and was stationed at various Posts stateside. One of his favorite things to receive, in the many care packages that his parents sent, was his Lemon Cheese Cake. He also loved his Daddy Buck syrup and lots of Kool-Aid. Anthony was a marksman and a Tank Commander, training soldiers, on the methods of operations and maneuverability, to effectively drive tanks. Teaching was one of his many gifts. When Ant talked, people listened! He took pride in serving his country and in his stewardship over his fellow soldiers.
The Surrender: A Special Kind of Love
He married the love of his life, Loretta Jackson, in 2004. Their love for one another was unparalleled and equally undeniable to all who know them. They were a perfect match, because she was the calm one and he was the boisterous one. For all who had the benefit of being in their presence, you knew that they were soul mates! "He made sure that I was taken care of and that he did what he was supposed to do for his family", is what she affectionately said about him.
Physical Training: The Superhero
He was a Superhero to his family! Of the many things that he's done in his life, being a father and grandfather, were the two greatest roles that he had! Angela, Lakita, Toni, Sabrina and Corey all knew that he loved them unconditionally and he was especially a protector of his girls! He was a loving "Paw Paw" to Amelia and she was his heart! Ant was the rock of his family and would do anything to protect them and show them that he loved them with all his heart!
He also took pride in being a supportive "Uncle" to his nieces and nephews. No matter what they were doing in life, he was there to cheer on their accomplishments and major life events. He was the funny, firm voice, don't play about food "Uncle" to Dianne, Keven (Patrice), Samita "Mimi", Karyn "Triece" (Mingo, Sr.), Eric "Bubba" (Kim), Brittany (Devon), Allison, Jonathan, and Tiffany. Ant was in awe watching his great nieces and great nephews grow (Glynn, James, Mingo II, Kelsey, Kourtlen, Kirklen, Karignton, Koen, Kasen, and Elias). Ant loved all people, so it wasn't strange for him to develop a bond with Loretta's nieces and nephews when he was around them -- Kendrick, Melissa, Anetriece, Evan, Isaac, and Isaiah, even Shenaira and Trevor. His tall stature and words of wisdom made them all feel protected because they knew he cared.
Formation: Anchored in the Lord
Ant's presence was immediately felt in any room that he walked in. When he arrived at True Love Church of Ensley, he knew that he found a place that loved God as much as he did! He loved his Pastor, Co-Pastor, his entire church family and was a Sunday School teacher for men of all ages. There were many men that he called brother and he was especially drawn towards those who were troubled. They felt embraced by him and not judged, as he provided guidance for them in their life's journey. Ant took so much pride in caring for the widows in the church. He felt a special calling to be their protectors as well. It's just who he was. Even on his job, he started morning worship before their workday began. This time ended with him giving them a "Word of the Day". The supervisors and others were thankful for Anthony's concern for their love of God.
Special Forces: The Legacy
The legacy that ascended before him includes his Father: James Terry Jackson; his sister: Janis Jackson Jeter; and his brother: Erwin Bernard Jackson. The torch carriers that continue the Jackson legacy are his Mother: Helen Oates Jackson; adopted grandmother: Gussie Allen; his sister: Jacqueline Jackson Oglesby; and his brother: Jonathan Terence Jackson (Paulette). The legacy that he passes the torch on to finish his work are his wife: Loretta Jackson; his daughters: Angela Jackson, Lakita Barron, Toni Love and Sabrina Wescott; his granddaughter: Amelia Lawson and his son: Corey Biggs.
Mission Complete!!
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