Bobby Gene Jackson, Sr.

Bobby Gene Jackson, Sr. passed away unexpectedly March 13, 2026 at Novant Health in Wilmington, N.C. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail Heath Jackson and his son Bobby (Toby) G. Jackson, Jr., who he loved beyond measure. His sister-in-law, Judy Heath that he loved like his sister. He also leaves behind his niece, Christine Edge, who he always loved as his daughter. Her children Heather N. Biddix, Heather’s husband, Andrew G. Biddix, Brandon T. Shaw and Rhiannon McKenzie Shaw, who he proudly claimed as his grandchildren, and a special niece, Teresa Prince. Over the years he tried to share his wisdom from the school of hard knocks with them and anything he thought would help them get through life. He was very proud to be “Yellowcar Papa” to Fisher Heath Biddix (his little buddy) and Ellison Jean Biddix who was born in January 2026.

Bobby was born and raised in Wilmington, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude Rich Jackson and Willie A. Jackson, his brother Billy Jackson and sister Betty Jackson Dennison, along with many other nieces and nephews. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1961. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas. When he was discharged, he went to work for Commercial Printing Company and learned to be a press operator. In 1966 a short blonde girl named, Gail Heath began working at Commercial Printing and after a few months they began secretly dating. Bobby and Gail dated several months before telling the owner and in December, 1967 they were married. In 1973, Bobby started to work at B&W. He worked there until the plant shut down in 1983. In April, 1974 Bobby and Gail adopted their son, Toby, and their family was complete. The moment Toby was laid in Bobby’s arms, he told his son that he was so proud to be his Dad and that he would love and protect him forever. Some of his greatest joys were teaching Toby about keeping the yard beautiful, fishing with him, taking him golfing, teaching him about the ’56; but their favorite time together was going to breakfast at the Waffle House. He never missed an opportunity to say “I love you, son”…

After B&W closed Bobby decided to start his own cleaning service. He brought a restoration franchise, ServiceMaster and sold it two years later. He opened up his own cleaning and restoration business, American Cleaning Specialists, which he operated for 26 years. Many of the customers he serviced became his friends. While still operating his restoration business, he decided to go to Cape Fear Community College to become an Insurance adjuster and worked for Crawford and Company as an adjuster for 6 years. On his off time, he loved and played many sports, from bowling, to fishing, 1st baseman with several softball teams, to golf, which became his passion for many years. He was a member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge and the American Legion. He worked for many years at the American Legion Post 10 monthly Fish Fry to raise money for their many charities.

He and his golfing buddies had a special table at the Elks, called the “Round Table”... everyone knew that if there was someone in need, all you had to do was go to the “Round Table” gang for help.

In 2001, he purchased a yellow 1956 Chevy and joined the Sun Coast Cruisers Car Club. He, Gail and Toby had many great times cruising, going to car shows and being in parades showing off his ’56 Chevy. They also made new and lasting friendships with car club members. After purchasing his Chevy he wanted to get body work done, so he decided what better person to do that than himself, so he enrolled in the Paint and Body Shop Program at Cape Fear Community College. He was the “old man” of the class and tried to pass on his wisdom to his class members about working hard and achieving their goals. He not only worked on his ’56; but he worked on his old 1996 Explorer by painting it and doing all the body work on it. He was proud to call it his 2nd classic car. When his “Little Buddy” Fisher was born in 2021, Papa and "G" welcomed the opportunity to take care of him almost every day. Fisher filled his heart and days with joy. They loved reading Papa’s Daily Devotional together, playing games, polishing “their” ’56 together, sneaking a ride around the neighborhood and riding in the Christmas parades. He was a member of Planet Fitness for many years and was there about 4am every day until recently when his health began to fail. Above all he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and quietly went about witnessing to people he met. He gave Fisher his 1st Bible Devotional and would order devotionals and give them to someone he was witnessing to. He was a faithful member of Northside Church. He watched on TV when he couldn’t attend. He was proud that he was able to help when the new addition was added several years ago wearing his “Duke” hard hat. He loved going back and forth with the rest of his family about “his” Duke and “their” Carolina. The world has lost one of the “good guys”, that you don’t get to know and love very often. His life was a testament to his love for Jesus Christ. His courage, faith, love for his country and family has seen him through many challenges over the years. His generosity, knowledge, and wisdom was shared freely and his service to others will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Bobby didn’t believe in a lot of fanfare and tears being shed for him because he said “I’ll be in heaven” so a private family service is planned at his request.

The family wishes to thank the nurses (especially on the 7th and 8th floors) and his care team of doctors for the extraordinary care that was given to our beloved Bobby, Our Uncle Bobby, Our Papa.