Surrounded by family, Gilbert "Spud" Franklin Jackson peacefully entered into eternal rest at the age of eighty-nine on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

� Spud was born in Salisbury, North Carolina on March 22, 1935 to Oscar Norman Jackson and Toss Crowson Jackson.  A resident of Suffolk, Virginia for the majority of his life, Spud relocated to Rocky Point, North Carolina in December, 2021, to be close to his family.

As a young boy, Spud worked in the fields at his home in Salisbury digging potatoes, whereby, he was given the nickname, "Spud", although, his sisters affectionately called him "Jack".  At a young age, his family relocated to Newport News, Virginia.  Spud later moved to Virginia Beach where he graduated from Kempsville High School in May, 1953.  During his high school years, Spud lettered in three sports, baseball (playing catcher), football and wrestling.  He was the Captain of the baseball team and played linebacker on defense and guard on offense for the football team.  In addition, Spud was voted "Best Looking" by his high school class.

� After high school graduation, Spud proudly joined the United States Marine Corps where he served from July 2, 1953 to July 1, 1957.  From time to time, he would proudly share memories of his time in Okinawa and Korea.

� Spud's ultimate desire in life was to enter into a career in law enforcement where he could give of himself in an effort to make this world a better place while protecting and serving others.  This dream began to come to fruition in 1958 following a brief stint in the Naval Reserves after graduation from high school.

Spud began his thirty-eight year law enforcement career with the Norfolk Police Department from July, 1958 to September, 1970 and moving on to join the Nansemond County Police Department from October, 1970 to June, 1972.  His service continued with the City of Nansemond Police Department from July, 1972 to December, 1973, ultimately, leading to his employment with the Suffolk Police Department from July, 1974 until his retirement in June, 1996.

During Spud's career, he proudly wore many hats including beat patrolman, motorcycle officer, dive team member, and detective.  Through the years, he moved through the ranks from Sergeant to his ultimate position as Suffolk's Chief of Police from November, 1976 until retirement on June, 30, 1996.  During his tenure with the Suffolk Police Department, he was instrumental in contributing to its growth and implementing many programs that continue to be in use today.  Spud had a vision for the future of the Department, one that would be in the very best interest of its officers, the community and the City.  One could say that the Suffolk Police Department was his "baby", his love. The pride he had for the Department as a whole, his officers including the Auxiliary and Animal Control Divisions, was great.  He often commented that he would not have been able to accomplish all that he did without the extraordinary men and women who assisted and supported him.  It was well-known that Spud desired the officers to be the sharpest of the sharp in uniform, always shined and polished with their Smokey-style hats, shiny shoes and absolutely, no pens in the pockets.

A two-time graduate of Paul D. Camp Community College, August, 1974 and March, 1975, Spud continued his education graduating from Christopher Newport College, Newport News, Virginia on May 14. 1978.  Another proud accomplishment of his was that of being a member of the 90th session graduating class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on September 15, 1972.  Spud also served as the President for the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police from 1992-1993.  Humbling and special to Spud was the co-dedication made in 2003 from local public safety officers to him and the late Fire Marshal Randy Parker for the newly constructed North Suffolk Public Safety Center which includes Police Precinct #2 and Fire Precinct #5.

� A member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Spud enjoyed playing the guitar, riding his motorcycle, playing golf, bicycling, visiting the mountains, keeping fit and in his later years and prior to relocating to North Carolina, being the "Door Dude" at his former residence, The Crossings at Harbor View in Suffolk.  Spud served as the President of the North Suffolk Rotary Club (1984-1985) and was a member of Cedar Point Club and the CE&H Ruritan Club.  A veteran of the Masonic fraternity, Atlantic Lodge No. 2 noted that "Brother Gilbert Franklin "Spud" Jackson was raised a Master Mason on October 10, 1966 in George W. Wright No. 346 Lodge prior to Wright Lodge consolidating with Atlantic Lodge No. 2.  Brother "Spud" received a 50 Year Service award in October 2016 and served a total of 57+ years in Masonry".

Chief Jackson, "Spud", will be missed by many.  As he was a believer in our Lord and Savior, family and friends are comforted by God's word and promise of eternal life.

Spud is survived by his daughter, Karen Lynn Rouse, and husband, Bruce; son, Gilbert Franklin Jackson, Jr.; grandsons, Chadd Rouse, Chase Rouse, Corey Jackson and Floyd Warren, Jr.; great-grandchilden, Kodie, Joy, Amelia and Mia; siblings, Mary J. Howard and Elizabeth Henson; niece, Teresa Fronck; nephews, Byron Howard, James Fronck, and Bill Fronck; special siblings of his heart, Jo Anne Morrison, Barbara Foxwell and Sandy Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cheryl Lorraine Jackson Warren; his best friend in the whole world, Roy Spears; special parents of his heart, Alton and Flovian "Sally" Roberson; and special brother of his heart, Philip "Ping" M. Foxwell, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at the Albert G. Horton, Jr., Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 with Pastor David Hallingshead officiating.

� The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for all of the prayers, words of comfort and acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.  They would also like to extend a special "thank-you" to Retired Suffolk Police Department Lieutenant WM "Wally" Bunker for his gracious support and assistance in this time of sorrow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Cops and Kids, Suffolk FOP Lodge 41, Post Office Box 1306, Suffolk Virginia 23437 and/or Pender County Animal Shelter, 3280 New Savannah Road, Burgaw, North Carolina 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel

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