David Jackson

Clyde - David (Gerald) Jackson, 69, died peacefully with family members December 9, 2016 at the Homestead. Gerald was the youngest son of J. Sam and Winnie Jackson, deceased and life-long residents of Clyde, NC. A US Navy veteran, Gerald served on the USS New Orleans, a helicopter carrier during the Viet Nam War. Gerald was a member of the 1965 Clyde High graduating class, attended AB Tech studying electronics and served as an electronics technician during his stint in the US Navy being honorably discharged in 1975. During his early years he is remembered as the jovial DJ (Disc Jockey) on radio station WWIT in Canton. Gerald suffered a double brain aneurysm after his Navy service, at the young age of 32, leaving him paralyzed on his left side, and wheel-chair bound for the next 37 years. During this time he was also afflicted with cancer and kidney disease for his last 7 years of life requiring 100's of trips to Oteen VA Hospital for surgery and treatment. Although he detested his afflictions, he kept a sense of humor until the very end and was not one to complain. Preceding Gerald in death are six brothers and sisters, Edwin Jackson, Evelyn Jackson Burris, Aileen Jackson Curtis, Newell Jackson, Donald Jackson, and Jean Jackson Cogburn. He has two surviving brothers, Paul (and wife Phyllis) Jackson of Waynesville, and Ray (and wife Carol Jackson) of Clyde. Gerald was a member of First Baptist Church of Clyde. He will be remembered for his persistent resolve to beat any adversity thrown at him, and cure for boredom ….. which was listening to music and researching encyclopedias. His 37 years of survival was testimony to that resolve. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Michael Leatherwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to assist cancer and/or kidney disease cure.

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