William Eaton Jackson, III

Bill Jackson, 83, beloved husband, father, brother, and Opie, peacefully departed this world on February 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Born August 19, 1940, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Bill grew up in Uvalde, graduating high school in 1958. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church.

Billy, as his family and classmates called him, had amazing musical talent. At a very early age, Billy displayed interest in the piano. Enhanced with piano lessons at a young age and later many years of classical music training, Bill developed his unique style of variation inserts which were reflected in many popular tunes he played. In high school band he mastered the French horn and cornet, as well.

Music was the heartbeat of Bill’s soul and his nimble fingers danced across the piano keys with finesse. In his younger years, he lent his talents to various bands in Uvalde and Kingsville, where he completed his B.A. and M.A. at Texas A&I University.

Bills journey at Texas A&I was marked by the founding of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, an institution that has stood the test of time and continues to shape the lives of young individuals. As a founding member, Bill’s contribution to fostering brotherhood and academic excellence left an enduring mark on the fraternity and the countless lives it touched.

In 1964, with a B.A. in political science and sociology, Bill worked for Houston Lighting and Power Company as a residential power consultant in Freeport, Texas. In 1970, after finishing his master’s degree in political science and history, Bill moved to Alpine, Texas to teach at Sul Ross University. From 1975-1977 Bill worked as the executive vice president of the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed the West Texas area spending weekends hiking at Big Bend National Park. In 1977, while living in Hobbs, New Mexico, Bill served as the executive vice president at their Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership the organization’s membership more than doubled.

Bill moved back to Texas in 1983, serving as chamber manager for the Greater Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1985, Bill joined the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce as director of conventions and visitors. Managing the 25th annual Wurstfest celebration was his responsibility that year. Wearing lederhosen and a traditional German hat, borrowed from Debbie’s father, completed Bill’s costume as he chauffeured accordion virtuoso, Myron Floren, during the event.

Bill’s love story with his wife, Debbie, started in 1985. Spanning 38 beautiful years filled with shared adventures and quiet moments, the couple delighted in weekend trips to quaint bed and breakfast destinations in the hill country and always stopped to check out antique stores. Every June and December the couple visited Bill’s autistic son, Blair, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bill and Blair enjoyed playing interactive computer games together. The visit to Albuquerque always included an evening dinner with Bill’s daughter and husband, Jenn and Tavo, and their sons, Nick and Nate.

Beyond his professional pursuits and personal hobbies, Bill’s generosity and kindness extended to the community through his participation in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. For an incredible 40 years, he served as a “big brother” to Mike Rose, leaving an enduring impact on a life that blossomed under his guidance and care.

Bill dedicated 34 years of his life to the success and growth of Couriers of San Antonio, where he served as president, co-owner and operator. Bill was not only a skilled entrepreneur, but also a true team player who inspired loyalty and respect from all who worked alongside him.

Affectionately known as Opie to his grandchildren, Bill loved setting up the Polar Express train set for them at Christmas. Besides teaching them to play the computer game, Chuzzle, the grandkids remember his corny jokes and the imaginary “Moo Cow” that resided in the frig.

Bill was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Nell Thomas and William E. Jackson II. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie Kohlenberg Jackson; children, Jennifer Zamarron (Tavo), Thomas Blair Jackson, Emily Stark (Brian) and Travis Baker (Sarah); grandchildren, Nick and Nate Zamarron, Emma Grace, Lauren and Aaron Stark, Penny and Maverick Baker; sister, Mary Emma Smith (Dewey) as well as numerous extended family members and a lifetime of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Treatment Center in San Antonio in Bill’s memory.

SERVICEFRIDAY, MARCH 1, 202411:00 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH2102 N LOOP 1604 E., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78232