The Reverend Doctor William (Bill) Headen Jackson, 88, died Aug. 13, 2025. Bill was born April 23,1937 in what was formerly the Belgian Congo to missionary parents, the late James Lambert and Alma Headen Jackson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Jackson, and nephew, Michael Jackson.
Bill graduated from King College in Bristol, Tennessee, and then enlisted in the United States Army. Upon returning, he received his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and later in his career, he received his Doctorate of Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was ordained into the ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and held pastorates in Eastern North Carolina and Fairlawn Presbyterian Church in Radford.
Bill had many skills and talents but was first and foremost a pastor to his congregations. He was an avid hiker and loved the mountains of Western North Carolina, whose trails he knew well. He instilled in his family the love of nature with regular vacations to Montreat, North Carolina, which was special to him and his wife. He was active in community affairs, the Radford Ministerial Association and the Presbytery of the Peaks. Bill had a special ability to connect with people of all types and was loved by many.
Bill is survived by Polly, his beloved wife of 63 years, daughters Ann Leighton (David), Catherine Mesa (Michael) and son, David Jackson (Kristy), granddaughters Sarah Bradbury (Chris) and Jade Brillheart, and great-grandsons Jackson, Lucas and Jonathan Bradbury, and Alex Steger. He is also survived by a brother, James Krauss-Jackson (MJ), and cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Deyerle Rd, Roanoke, Virginia, with a reception to follow. The Reverend Rachel Vogado will officiate.
The Jackson family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
