Francis L. Jackson of Winter Park, Florida and more recently Franklin, North Carolina died peacefully on February 14, 2018 at the age of 93. Born October 20, 1924 in Lakeland, Florida he was the son of George Prentice Jackson and Emma Rather Jackson. He graduated from Bushnell High School and then served in the Seabees - the naval construction force in World War II. Following the war he became a part of the first class of men admitted to FSU and was one of 3 people who came up with the name "Seminoles" in a contest for the mascot of the football team.

In 1948 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Ward Jackson, a native of Winter Park and in 1950 started the first State Farm Insurance Agency in Winter Park achieving national recognition for his sales achievements. As a result he and Betty traveled extensively in the US and abroad. Francis understood the importance of giving back to the community and served in multiple positions of leadership such as president of the Jaycees, Lions Club, Winter Park Library Board, director of the Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations. He also helped start the longstanding Winter Park Toastmaster's club. In 1962 feeling drawn to serve the community even more he was elected as a city commissioner.

As a military veteran Francis was a lifetime member of the American Legion and also supported the NRA at their highest level.

Francis was also active in the Winter Park Presbyterian church serving as an Elder and Sunday School leader. Upon his retirement from State Farm in 2008 he moved to Franklin, NC. In the Franklin House assisted living center where he resided for the last 3 years, he was active in their Bible study and participated in many of their activities. He loved to read books, especially about history, play chess and checkers teaching both his children and grandchildren how to play and most recently, took up adult coloring and drawing.

Francis never met a stranger and whether he was at his condo in New Smyrna Beach inviting people to play volleyball or touch football on the beach or sitting next to you in a restaurant he made you feel like an old friend in minutes. He believed that for anyone to ever achieve pure peace, power and purpose in their life they needed to believe in the Lord their Savior.

Preceded in death by his wife Betty Jackson he is survived by his sister Marjorie Wells, Lake Panasoffkee; 5 children, Nicki D'Amato, Casselberry; Daryl Oberg (John) Grand Marais, MN; Ron Jackson, Winter Park; Rick Jackson (Jill), Oakwood, GA and Wendy Dalton (Terry) Franklin, North Carolina. He is also survived by Fred Baker (Marilyn), New Smyrna Beach and Dr. Hamilton Fish, Leesburg, sons that were "adopted" into the family when the family spent much time at New Smyrna Beach in the 1960's. The family is indebted to the loving and caring help from Tammy Baker along with his other personal caregivers. Francis will also be remembered by his 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home, 261 Iotla St, Franklin, NC 28734 on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice House Foundation of WNC, Inc., P O Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744.

Condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com

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