Obituary of Gary Dean Jackson

Gary Dean Jackson, 65, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 22, 2021 at UNC Hospital with his children by his side. 

Gary is survived by his children: Rachel, Brandon, Kendall, and William Jackson, of Raleigh, Holly Springs, and New York, respectively; his sister Sandy Williams and her husband Terry, of the Outer Banks; and his brother Jeff Jackson and his wife Eunjung of Germany. Gary is preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Dawn; his parents William and Mabel; his brother Dale; and his sister Brenda. 

Gary was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1955. At age 18, he enlisted as a Marine, serving in Vietnam. He later moved to North Carolina and became a welder, with Shearon Harris nuclear plant being one of his crowning accomplishments during that time. Eventually he went on to earn a degree in history education from Campbell University. He loved teaching history in addition to coaching football, baseball, and wrestling. Gary continued his career in the military when he retired from the Marine Corps and joined the National Guard. After 9/11, Gary served in Iraq and Afghanistan. When he returned he began working as a truck driver across the country. Gary enjoyed traveling, reading, and relaxing with his family. His life is one marked by service to others. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to the American Liver Foundation (39 Broadway, Suite 2700 New York, NY 10006), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American (85 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004), or Damascus Congregational Christian Church (522 Damascus Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516).

The Jackson family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.