Mr. Joe Lynn Jackson's Obituary
Joe Lynn Jackson, 77, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on November 22, 1948 to Ethel Mae and Curtis “Pick” Jackson. After his mother passed away, he lived with Wylie and Eddis Granger. Eddis was Joe’s first grade teacher. The Grangers loved Joe as if he was their own son. They had a lifelong bond that meant so much to him.
He graduated from Elmore County High School in 1967 and went on to earn degrees from Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama.
Joe was a talented carpenter, great golfer, dedicated educator, an avid coffee drinker and lifelong Alabama fan. He had the remarkable ability to build or fix anything. If he didn’t know how, he would learn about it and then do it. In the 1970s, he taught himself about carpentry through books and went on to build the home his children grew up in.
He loved the game of golf. In retirement he played multiple times a week, and his favorite course was Goose Pond in Scottsboro. He had been playing that course since the late 1970’s. His BEGA and Southeastern Golf Association groups were near and dear to him. He enjoyed playing with each member and the trips they took together to play golf.
Over the course of his career, he was a teacher, community education coordinator, coach, assistant principal and principal. In recent years, he found joy in returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher. He was grateful for every opportunity to be back in schools again. He was honored to have served thousands of students over his career from Johnson High School to Davis Hills to Stone Middle to Cowart Elementary and Athens Middle School.
Joe loved visiting with friends over a good cup of coffee. He never met a coffee shop he didn’t like. Coffee shops around the community knew him well from his regular visits.
As a lifelong Alabama fan, Joe spent many a Saturday cheering on the Tide both in front of the screen and at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. One of his favorite pastimes was either starting or ending the game with a slab of Dreamland ribs.
He is survived by his children, Cory Jackson Wilbanks (Michael) and Kip Jackson (Jessie) and his precious grandchildren Meg, Kate and Jack Wilbanks. Being “Poppie” was his most treasured role. He found immense joy in being with Meg, Kate and Jack. He enjoyed every activity he could with them. They have cherished memories from donuts, ball games, school pickups and gas station snacks.
Joe shared a special bond with his dedicated companion, Sherry Wood, whose love and support he deeply valued. They recently enjoyed a 25-day trip across the country. On that trip, Joe enjoyed a bucket-list opportunity to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach Golf Course in California.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Helen, Charlene, Alice and Carolyn; and his brothers Buddy and Jackie. He is survived by his brothers Tommy (Mary), Bobby (Gail), Roger (Ashley) and Roy (Nancy): his sister Janice and a host of nieces and nephews.
He completed his earthly journey marked by redemption and grace, and has now entered eternity to be with his Lord and Savior.
He leaves behind cherished memories with those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joe’s memory by performing an act of kindness.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 pm at the Granger home place.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joe Lynn Jackson.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?