Donald Wilkerson Jackson, 75, of Raleigh died Thursday, January 12, 2017. Family will receive friends on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 3 pm at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh followed by a 4pm memorial service.

Don "Donny" is survived by his wife of 17 years, Margarita Jackson, and his children: Donnie Jackson (Jennifer), Amy Jackson Clark (Andy), Margaret Jackson Hill (Sean), Renat Bibaev, sisters Patricia Cothran of Sanford and MaryLib Branch of Pawleys Island, SC. He had 8 grandchildren who he loved very much. He was the son of the late H. Ray and Margaret Jackson, and was predeceased by his brother, Joel Jackson.

Don was an Eagle Scout and graduate of Broughton High School. He was a 1964 graduate of THE University of NC at Chapel Hill. He had been an avid Tarheel fan his whole life and spent many years cheering them on as a Men's Basketball Season Ticket holder.

He had a long career with RTI (Research Triangle Institute) which spanned over 30 years. This job gave him many opportunities to travel the world and eventually led him to his wife, Rita. Many saw his competitive streak while playing on the RTI softball team.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit which led him to start a few of his own companies, including D & B Marketing, City Hostess Service and a local newspaper highlighting local youth athletes and teams called "The Youth Sporting News". He was a member of the Jaycees, was a Little League baseball coach for years, and spent countless hours playing tennis at Raleigh Racquet Club and Greystone. Don had an amazing network of friends, including several who have remained since high school, and have especially supported him the last few years. He loved playing tennis, attending the US Open each year, watching sports events, and going on golf trips with his friends. Many of our family's fondest memories with him were spent at Emerald Isle and around a ping pong table.

He fought a hard battle with Lewy Body Dementia. We are grateful to the staff of Transitions who gracefully cared for and loved him as though he were family. Special thanks to Dr. Gregg Warshaw, Dr. Stephen Marsh, nurses and aides Judy Welsh, Kim Favre, Lakisha Williams, Andrellea McNeil, and social worker Sandra Kahan. We'd also like to thank his incredible friends Dennis Caldwell, Bobby Pleasants, Ralph Reynolds and Johnny Koonce for their constant support during this time.