Donald Wilkerson Jackson

November 09, 1941 - January 12, 2017

Obituary For Donald Wilkerson Jackson

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.

Services

15 Jan

Visitation

03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

15 Jan

Memorial Service

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Linda Coley Sewell

Mary Lib, Have been thinking how good both your brothers were to us when we were teeny boppers. Donnie even let us use his car! Neither he nor Joel ever acted like we were bothersome to them, but surely we were. I loved being at your lively house where there was always fun going on! I know you will all miss his fun-loving ways. Would love to hear from you. Am stuck in Morehead w/ bronchitis, returning to Raleigh Sun or Mon. Linda (lcsewell@bellsouth.net Text/call 919-818-4512. 2626 Dover /27608).
September 01, 2020

Margaret Hill

Thank you for your kind words...he was definitely fun!! I will pass this along to Mary Lib in case she hasn't seen it. Margaret Jackson Hill (Don's youngest child)
September 01, 2020

Rowland Shelley

When I was flipping through the N&O this morning, I was shocked when my eyes hit upon Donny's photo, which I instantly recognized and uttered a loud, "Oh No." He lived down the hall from me in the dorm at UNC in the '60s, and while I haven't seen him often since then, I will never forget his always smiling, gregarious, and outgoing personality and his outward genuine friendliness. His smile, warmth, and laugh just brightened one's day and whatever room or building he was in at the moment. Like Will Rogers, Donny never met a stranger. His presence will be missed at future reunions of the NBHS class of 1960, and I will cherish my memories of him. My deepest sympathies to Margarita and all of Donny's family. Rowland Shelley
September 01, 2020

Margaret Hill

Hi-I love that you shared these memories. And that you recognized his picture and knew that smile. He certainly was fun to be around and I will miss his laugh! Thank you so much-Margaret Jackson Hill (Don's youngest child)