A true soldier of God called to rest.....With humble respect,Carter Funeral Home announces the transition of Deacon Bennie James Jackson III, 91,of Union Springs,Alabama on April 19,2017.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Tuesday, April 25,2017 at 11:00 am from the sanctuary of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Union Springs, The eulogy will be delivered by the pastor, Rev. Gary Lewis.

Interment will follow in Jackson Cemetery/ Town Creek, Union Springs,Alabama.

Deacon Jackson will lie in repose at the Church one hour prior to Celebration of Life Services.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday,April 24,2017 from 2:00 pm until 7:00pm at Carter Funeral Home.

Bennie James Jackson, III was born October 9, 1925. He was the first seed of life that God planted into Annie Mae Hardley and Bennie “Rab” Jackson. His siblings Gussie Mae Hunter, Annie Mae Finney, Dexie Ann Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Columbus Jackson and Willie Seal Johnson preceded him in death. He has five remaining siblings: Susie B. Ellis, Portia (Willie Henry) Cowan, MacArthur Jackson, Ora Lee Hunter, and Mildred C. Jackson Bennie inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character and hope. He was a faithful and longtime member of First Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Choir member, and finance committee member. First Baptist is also where he married his wife of 38 years, Mary A. Jackson, who preceded him in death.

Growing up, he lived life on the farm, plowing and picking cotton until he decided to leave home at the ripe age of 16 to go to Haines City Florida to cut sugar cane. In 1945 he joined other relatives in Detroit, Michigan. He later returned to Bullock County to marry his 16 year-old sweetheart, Norma Hardley. On September 27, 1945 a son, Bennie Jackson IV was born, who preceded him in death. In 1947, Bennie’s fame as a talented “South Paw” led the Cleveland Buckeyes Baseball Team, of the National Negro League to send him a ticket to join them in Cleveland, Ohio. He remained with the team one year. Bennie became “home sick” and returned to Detroit.

He was employed for many years with the Cinder Block Company, and continued to work part time as a security officer for Hunter Patrol Services. He retired in 1975 and moved back home to Union Springs and became an employee of Bullock Propane Gas as the first black salesman/driver for Bullock County Propane Gas Company. He was known for his excellent customer service. His route consisted of Macon, Barbour, Pike, Bullock and Montgomery counties. He spoke highly of his employer (The Gibson Family) and was very proud to have had the opportunity to meet so many people and service their clients. He retired from the company after 16 years.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the Jackson’s softball team (girls and boys). The Jackson’s girls’ softball team was the team to beat in Bullock County. They won several championship games during their 10 plus years in the league.

Also known as “Hook” and “Ben Brown” to many, in his spare time he enjoyed Baseball, Basketball, Hunting, Gardening, and Traveling.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter, Alexis B. (Brian) Spence; one Stepson, Maurice V. Pickett; two granddaughters, Syri Anika (Ta-Muk )Scruggs and DaMara Jackson; three grandsons, DaMar Jackson, Bennie J. Jackson V and Alex M. Pickett; eight great -grandchildren, special nephew Freddie Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to support the Jackson Family with End of Life Services.