Robert Earl Jackson, USAF
May 01, 1947 – November 20, 2007

Robert Jackson, 60, Clyde, N.C.

Robert Earl Jackson of Clyde, N.C., died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital after a year-long battle with leukemia. He was 60.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and the son of Edwin and Edwina Leatherwood Jackson of Clyde. He was greeted in heaven by his sister, Glenda Mathews.

He was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1975. He served in the 5040th helicopter squadron in Anchorage, Alaska. He was trained as a survival specialist and was accredited for saving 100 lives during his nine years of service. In his civilian life, he loved spending time outdoors working in his yard with his constant companion Bear. From January 1989 through December 2000, he was a long-distance truck driver for Decker Transport. He logged more than 1 million safe miles. From March 2001 through December 2006, he was employed at Haywood Tractor as service manager. He was a member of Clyde First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Helen Bartlett Jackson; daughter, Ashley Michelle Jackson of Sugargrove, Va; two sons, Johnathan Marcus Allen Jackson of Clyde, Scott Jackson of Candler; one sister, Mary Ann Morgan (Gary) of Clyde; three brothers, Gary Jackson (Barbara) of Waynesville, Carl Jackson (Betty) of Clyde, Steve Jackson (Pam) of Waynesville; grandchild, Holly Jackson; his constant companion, his dog, Bear.

Services: Saturday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. at Clyde First Baptist Church with Revs. Mike Leatherwood and Charles Dean officiating.

Condolences may be sent at www.wellsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Haywood County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1275, Canton, N.C., 28716.

Arrangements by Wells Funeral Home, Canton, N.C.