Dr. Dennis Gilbert Jackson, Jr.

Dennis Gilbert Jackson, Jr. age 65, returned home to his Heavenly Father on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of the late Dennis Gilbert Jackson, Sr. and Laura Grooms Jackson. Dennis was a 1973 graduate of Englewood High School, where he was an avid athlete who excelled in basketball and football. Following high school, he attended the University of Miami on an athletic scholarship and while there, he pledged the Eta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Once he got settled in Ft. Lauderdale, this was where he decided to make his home. Those who knew him, knew he loved to party and have a good time. It was on one of these evenings out that he met his future wife, Susie Johnson Jackson. They married on Valentine’s Day and shared many wonderful years together.

Dennis loved serving the Lord by serving others, and felt a strong duty to serve his community in so many ways. He dedicated a number of years serving as a firefighter for the City of Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department and proudly retired having attained the rank of Lieutenant. Dennis tirelessly worked as a social worker and put in countless hours toward community service in his lifetime. An avid member and Trustee in his church, he held a close relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While serving in ministry, he later went on to earn his Masters in Divinity and Doctorate in Theology.

On top of serving the Lord and his community, Dennis was a one-of-a-kind husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend to everyone who knew him. He was strong-willed and loved to have a good time, and whether it be while fishing, cooking, listening to music, or spending time with his grandchildren. Dennis leaves behind so many that will remember his smiles and laughter. They were never in short supply and had the ability to fill a room with TONS of joy.

Surviving family members are his loving wife of 38 years, Susie Johnson Jackson of Perry; daughters, LaToya Jackson-Barnett (David) of Evans, Danielle Denise Jackson of Perry and Brittany Laurel Schreier of Evans; grandchildren, Jade Jackson-Barnett, Jihaad Barnett, Jazz Barnett, Jordyn Jackson-Doughty, Kingston “Buck” Jackson-Simpson and Susie Schreier; great-grandchild, Jynx Ivori Wiggins; sisters, Pamela Jackson Turner (Roy) and Paula Jackson Beneby, both of Jacksonville, Florida; and a host of adoring nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Mr. Jackson’s life will be held in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Rosby Glover officiating. During this time and for the safety of everyone in attendance, the family asks that everyone remain six feet apart if unable to wear a mask. Masks are strongly encouraged and hand-shaking and touching is discouraged but not prohibited.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

People coming in from out of town may look into several hotels. There are many options to choose from: Hampton Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn and Suites on Watson Blvd. Best Western and Avid Hotel are located in Perry.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.