William Kyser “Bill” Jackson of Mobile, AL passed away on August 2, 2021. Born on October 25, 1954, in Norfolk, VA, Bill came to Mobile as a young child, where he lived for the rest of his life.
After graduating from W. P. Davidson High School, Bill attended classes at the University of South Alabama, and worked with his father at AML Contractors. In fact, during his career, Bill paved most of the roads in Mobile.
In addition to his work in construction, Bill enjoyed finding outlets for his artistic talents. He designed the original mechanical whale logo for MobiCon in the 1980s, as well as the logo for the Gold Dragon, and did other artwork for them over the years. Bill drew numerous RPG characters for people over the years and skinned meshes for video game characters. His numerous artistic creations have traveled far and wide.
In his 66 years on this earth, Bill enjoyed many interests: he was an avid reader and collector of books & comics, with a special fondness for science fiction and all things related to space; he loved Mobile and it’s history; he loved learning new things and was interested in a wide variety of topics; he loved animals, especially cats; and he loved cooking and trying new recipes, especially with his granddaughter, Bri. As one of his longtime friends said, “He was one of the kindest persons I ever knew.” In addition to his gentle manner and quick sense of humor, his most outstanding quality was his love for his friends and family. He had lifelong friendships and was also always ready to meet new friends. His greatest joys in life were his daughter, Heather, his granddaughter, Bri, and his cats.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Wilbur Jackson and Mary DeMerle Northington Jackson. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (David Floyes) Jackson; his granddaughter, Brianna; his sister, Mary Anne (David) Pugh; his brother, Keith (Betty) Jackson; his aunt, Ruth Olin; his uncle, Paul Northington; numerous cousins; his lifelong friend of 51 years, Tom (Lauryn) Poynor; Heather’s mother, Christy Hancock, who remained a close friend throughout his life; and his 7 cats.
Bill’s physical presence will be missed by many, but we know that all who loved him are forever connected with him, heart and soul.
A memorial service will be live-streamed on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm CST at: www.facebook.com/UnityOfMobile
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the animal rescue organization of your choice or your local public library.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
This is the most beautiful tribute to a life I’ve ever read. I feel as if I knew your dad, Heather.
Bill was Brother-in-law and friend. A very knowledgeable person who could converse on many subjects. He was greatly loved by his family and truly will be missed
I “met” Bill online through the GoComics Breaking Cat News comments. Bill was a valued member of the Breaking Cat News fandom and will be sorely missed.
Heather, I’m thinking of you all with love. Bill was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have known him in The Matrix. He will be dearly and forever missed on the comment board of Breaking Cat News. I can only imagine the parade of furry loved ones that he stopped to collect at the Rainbow Bridge.
Fly high, Bill, and save us a seat. I’ll be glad one day to talk to you in real time, my friend.
Bill will be missed by so many people, including the friends he connected with via the internet. His kindness, love of animals, and gentle, welcoming soul has left a lasting mark in this world.
I only knew Bill from the comments on Breaking Cat News, so I was surprised by how deeply I felt his loss. He could always be counted on for some fascinating story or kind remark. I particularly enjoyed his excellent pictures of his well-loved kitties. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill Jackson was a good friend to all of us on the Breaking Cat News site. He especially helped me by encouraging me to keep writing.
All of us enjoyed his funny look at life and his sage advice. He will be missed but not forgotten.
By Walt Whitman, as a tribute to President Lincoln.
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
Personal thoughts..
Bill was an ordinary man with extraordinary genius for the human condition. He was by far the most gentle, and well read guy I have ever known. Typically, they seem to be at odds.
Bill just broke down moral lessons with an anecdote about road building or turtles behind his house.
Its hard to be chipper in these memories…but I will personally never forget when Bill helped me catch Moet. “Lindsay stand back” He flipped the bed over and adopted her from there on Moet was Bri’s.
I always welcomed his advice. He was so calm. It was always lovingly said. And if he did call you out on the rare something…you felt guilty.
He loved living. I just cannot tell you what an adoptive father figure he was. We had many an adventure before he became ill.
Looking at historical homes discourse about hidden slave underground railroad passages. You name it.
YES that man loved his kitties. But he LOVED beyond any passion, his daughter and granddaughter, with the fire of 1000 suns.
I miss him tragically, and I wish is dear friend Tom (who I heard SO many fun stories) and his brother, Keith, who was so kind to him ) the very best.
Rest in Peace O’ Captain
I only ‘knew’ Bill from his comments on Go Comics. It would have been wonderful to actually know him in person. Many condolences from a woman who’s lost a husband, a son, 2 brothers. Loving memories will keep you going.
Bill was a unique individual and a wonderful friend. His outlook on life was to be happy and enjoy every moment. I will treasure the memories of the times spent discussing his favorite books. Our friendship was a blessing. R.I.P., Bill.
There are certain people in this world that touch our hearts by just being in it.
Bill was one of those folks.
Saying prayers for family and friends during this difficult time.
God Bless.
I have said it before and repeat it now: I have known Bill for fifty-one years. It was not long enough.
I knew Bill for some fifty-one years. It was nowhere long enough.