Lance Jackson

Lance Jackson, 74, of Cleveland, MS, passed away peacefully at his home on March 22, 2023.

Lance was born on April 29, 1948, in Florence, Alabama.  He married Brenda Richardson Jackson on September 24, 1968. 

In 1965, at age 17, Lance talked his mother into signing a waiver so that he could join the US Army.  After basic training at Ft. Jackson, he served in Korea and then returned stateside to Ft. Ritchie, Maryland where he served on a specialist team, earning a letter of appreciation for outstanding service.  He then volunteered for combat service in the Vietnam War.  During this tour of duty, he was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars.  He received an honorable discharge in April of 1968.

After several years in the auto repair business, Lance opened Lance’s Automotive Service in 1984 where he continued to serve the community as one of the area’s leading independent mechanics until his retirement in 2007.

Lance faithfully served on the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department, achieving several ranks, including Captain before retiring in 1992 with 15 years of service.

Most people that knew Lance knew him as a man of strong convictions, who often passed on his knowledge, wisdom and experience to all that would listen, and to many who didn’t want to.  He loved his family passionately, especially his grand and great grandbabies.  Lance also enjoyed hunting, fishing, (especially running hoop nets on the MS river), and Alabama Football. ROLL TIDE!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bentley and Daisy Jackson; siblings, Mary Rutherford, Bentley “Bud” Jackson, Jr., Sandra Kilpatrick and James “Buddy” Bullock.

Lance is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Richardson Jackson; one sister, Elaine Weeks (Richard), his children, Jeff Jackson (Laurin), Greg Jackson (Sandi), Jeremy Jackson (Kim) and Tracy Jackson Hays (Chris); grandchildren Rachel Taylor (Matt), Reagan Jackson, Katherine Oakes (Jesse), Molly Ferguson (Blake), Owen Jackson (Sarah Grace), William Jackson, Aaron Jackson, Jackson Hays (Presley) and Tanner Hays; great grandchildren Mason Taylor, Easton Taylor, Reid Oakes, Thomas Wolfe, and Charlie Hays.

Pallbearers will be Jackson Hays, Owen Jackson, William Jackson, Aaron Jackson, Tanner Hays, Matt Taylor, Jesse Oakes and Blake Ferguson.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department, past and present.

Donations in Lance’s honor can be made to CVFD, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Veteran Charity of your choice.