Gary Lee Jackson, 71, of Jacksonville, IL died Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born Jan. 3, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, MO, the son of Robert E. "Jack" and Martha Jean (Icenogle) Jackson. He married Kathy Ann Hembrough on Apr. 12, 1975, at Lynville Christian Church and she survives.

He is also survived by one son, Matthew Jackson; four grandchildren, Will, Grace, Tripp, and Luke Jackson; two nephews, Chance Jackson of Jacksonville, and Ben (Crystal) Jackson; one niece, Amber (Mike) Larsen; four great nieces, Rebecca and Isabella Larsen, and Aria and Brooklyn Jackson; and four special children in his life, Katie, Ashlynn, Rylan, and Gracie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Becky Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was a member of Liter Baptist Church in Literberry, serving as a Deacon. He was also a benefactor member of the NRA, a life member of the Illinois State Rifle Association, and a longtime member of both the Ohio Valley Military Society and PASA Park. He retired after 27 years from Wade & Dowland Office Supply. Gary was blessed with lifetime friendships with his work friends and customers. He enjoyed his later retirement years living in the country, as he said, "In the middle of nowhere." He enjoyed trail riding, walking his many miles, taking care of the hummingbirds, and making new friends. He also enjoyed his church, fishing with kids and his family and friends, and frying fish for all of them. The family would like to thank the wonderful young people that helped Gary stay in his own home, and everyone's kindness and prayers. It was truly a miracle and the grace of God that allowed him all of these extra years to spend with the ones he loved. Gary was fond of saying "UVA UVAM VIVENDO VARIA FIT," which roughly translated means "We mature by association with our fellow humans" or "The grape ripens with the bunch".

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Ebenezer Cemetery. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. The family would like to invite everyone attending to a meal following the burial at Liter Baptist Church. Memorials are suggested to Liter Baptist Building Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.