After years of courageously living through stage four cancer, Eddie Ladd Jackson, 69, of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Carolyn (Humphrey) at his side on December 3, 2023.
Born March 31, 1954, to Sarah and George Jackson, Eddie lived a rambunctious young life in Franklin, TN, with his three siblings Robert, Jewel, and Vianne, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. He met the love of his life, Carolyn, as a young man and did not delay in asking her to be his wife. Eddie and Carolyn married in 1972 and built their life together in their hometown of Franklin where they raised two beloved children, Candy Sakarapanee (Steve) and Eddie Jackson, Jr. (Heather), and where they enjoyed hosting and celebrating four cherished grandchildren, Sebastian, Logan, Trip, and Rhett.
Known as a dedicated and trustworthy man, Eddie enjoyed working with his hands. His career began with framing houses before he worked his way to produce manager at Kroger in Franklin and Brentwood. He then spent most of his time at the Nissan Motor Manufacturing Plant in Smyrna as a shift leader; turning down management positions several times because he, “didn’t want to fly to Japan.” After accepting an early retirement package from Nissan, he later retired with the TN Department of Transportation in Franklin.
Eddie enjoyed spending free time with family and supporting his children and grandchildren in their various pursuits. His favorite vacations were at the beach with sand between his toes, family by his side, and water as far as the eye could see. He delighted in collecting foreign currency that would accidentally find itself in circulation around town. He coached Franklin Cowboys Football and Bethesda Recreation Basketball. He taught himself to play the guitar and led music and worship services at Franklin Free Will Baptist Church; where he also served as a deacon and raised his family to love God, the Church, and its people.
Eddie was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. He will be remembered for the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, full of love for those who went before him and those who remain, and full of faith in the God who saved him many years ago.
Eddie is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; children, Candy Sakarapanee (Steve) of Mt Juliet, TN, Eddie Jackson, Jr. (Heather) of Franklin, TN; grandchildren: Sebastian Sakarapanee(Kathy), Logan Sakarapanee, Trip Jackson, and Rhett Jackson; sister: Vianne Heithcock (Doris); his Aunt Pearl Espinoza as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Sarah Jackson, and siblings Robert Hornburger and Jewel (Hornburger) Savage.
A celebration of life will be held at 5pm on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064. Visitation of friends and family will begin at 3pm, 2 hours before the service.
