Henry Lee Jackson

MSGT Henry L. Jackson, Sr. was born in Albany, Georgia, on June 20, 1929, to the late Beulah Jackson.  

He was educated in the Dougherty County School System and graduated from Monroe High School, May 27, 1949, in Albany, Georgia.  

At an early age, he dedicated his life to Christ and has been a member of Cray’s Chapel CME Church for many years, where he sang in the choir, and served in many different capacities until his health began to falter.  

He was married to Gertrude Jackson for 68 years and to this union, six children were born, two of which preceded him in his death (Henry, Jr. and Joanne Jackson).

On December 3, 1946, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and trained at Camp Montford Point Camp, Jacksonville, North Carolina, as one of the African American men, who became known as the Montford Point Marines. During this enlistment, Mr. Jackson served for 7 months before receiving an honorable discharge.  They set out to make a difference and ended up making history. In recognition of selfless service and sacrifice on June 27, 2012, former President Barack Obama awarded the Montford Point Marines the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award in the U.S. The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded for his pioneering spirit as one of the first African American Marine recruits to enlist and attend boot camp training at Camp Montford Point, North Carolina.  Mr. Jackson’s contributions certainly paved the way for outstanding perseverance and courage on and off the battlefield that inspired social change in the United States Marine Corps. 

With his continued patriotism he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served with pride for 24 years and 8 days before retiring as a Master Sergeant.  Always a patriot who desired to serve his country.  During Henry’s initial enlistment he served with distinction during World War II’s bloodiest conflict and the Korean War. His pioneering sacrifice inspired three of his children. The second generation served in the Army and the third generation included one enlisted Airmen, one Army Officer (LTC, retired), one Air Force Officer (Maj), and one Marine Officer (Maj).  He leaves behind a legacy of strong military service.

Upon retiring he held many different jobs, entrepreneurial of two businesses; Jackson Income Service and a Lawn Service.  He was also the Chief of Airport Safety for Albany’s Southwest Georgia Airport for 13 1/2 years with the city, he retired from that position in 1990 as a Colonel.  

Henry was an active member in his community, heavily involved in the local community and local veteran’s associations including the American Legion, local chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association, which he was president for three years.  He was also a part of the different Montford Point Chapters.  

He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He enjoyed taking pictures and traveling to many different places with his wife, Gertrude.  

He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons; Steven (Bon) Jackson of Spring, TX and David (Nancy) Jackson of San Antonio, TX, and two daughters; Brenda Jackson and Valerie Jackson both of Albany, GA.  He is also survived by one aunt, Christine Davis of Detroit, Michigan, and one first cousin, Robert (Bob) Jackson of Tallahassee, FL.  He is also survived by a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many other relatives, and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry Lee Jackson, please visit our floral store.