Edward Jackson Only

Jack was born in Jackson, Tennessee. He had 3 sisters and 2 brothers including his twin brother Mack with whom he played hooky from Sunday School by crawling out a church window. When Jack went to college at Union University, he met the love of his life, Betty Sue Cowan. Jack volunteered to drive a group of cheerleaders to a basketball game. Betty rode in the front seat. It was their first unofficial date. That was the first of many trips they’d take together. They married at the First Baptist Church in Collierville in 1960. They were married for 64 years, and raised two children, Susan and Jimmy. They supported and cared for one another. They enjoyed each other’s company. Their love was a dependable comfort.

Susan and Jimmy knew that love as well. One of their favorite childhood memories was their dad secretly jingling bells with his toes so they could hear Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. They fondly remember their numerous nights spent in tents, a pop-up trailer, and eventually a real camper. The family laughs recalling camping uncomfortably close to the edge of a cliff in Montana, enduring a dust storm in Arizona that invaded the pop-up, and in California, being awakened in the wee hours by a Hell’s Angels California motorcycle gang riding disturbingly close to their campsite. Such were their adventures traveling the country on family vacations. Eventually, Jack and Betty traveled to 49 of the 50 states.

Throughout his life, Jack had an amazing work ethic. He seldom sat down. During college he worked full time to support himself. After Jack and Betty moved to Memphis, he earned his master’s degree while working numerous jobs: coaching football, basketball, and track as well as teaching health and science. He rose at the crack of dawn to throw newspapers, and in the summers, he measured cotton. He then served 27 years as a beloved principal at Fairley Elementary School in Whitehaven.

Jack was happiest when he was busy. He cooked. He gardened. He traveled. He did woodworking in his backyard shop. He maintained a booth in the local antique mall. He was truly a Jack of all trades! Occasionally, he’d stop long enough to prop his feet and watch Memphis State basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, or an SEC football game.

Jack was known throughout Collierville for his generous heart. His faith informed his life. He was the guy who’d make soup for a sick neighbor, repair a leaky faucet for a widow, and mow the lawn for an elderly couple. He also volunteered with New Tribe Missions, Brinkley Heights Urban Academy and Boy Scout Troop 50. He took time to listen to people, and they valued his counsel. He taught Sunday School for over 50 years.

Jack devoted himself to his ever expanding family, including his daughter in law Colleen and son in law Sean. Next followed his grandchildren, Matthew, John, and Alina, who all called him Pap.

These are a few of his grandchildren’s thoughts on how Pap influenced their lives. Alina said, “Pap taught me how to whistle and make bird calls with my hands, how bobwhites say their names in their call, how to sharpen a knife, how to “eyeball” the size of objects, and how to cook fried okra.” Matthew said, “Pap taught me about campers, how to fish, how to use a pocketknife, how to shoot a shotgun, and how to be kind and godly to others.” John said, “Pap taught me the discipline and benefit of hard work, dedication and kindness to others, and commitment to family.” Pap took his grandkids on camping trips, and cooked their favorite breakfast countless times: sausage, biscuits, and gravy. He wrote them checks and always joked, “don’t spend it all in one place.”

Jack/Dad/Pap, thank you for loving us so well. Happy travels!

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Ada and Ollie Only, his sisters Evelyn Bolach, Doris Baker, and Sherry Only, and his brothers Louis and Mack Only.

Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Only, his daughter Susan Only, his son in law Sean Recroft, his son Jimmy Only, his daughter in law Colleen Only, and his grandchildren Matthew Only, John Recroft, Alina Only, and his brother in law, Van Harris.

Charitable donations may be made in Jack’s name to Brinkley Heights Urban Academy, 3260 Macon Rd. Memphis, TN 38122.