John Jackson

John Russell Jackson, 76, of Oak Ridge, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at his home.

 He was born September 30, 1948 in Bennettsville, SC. Russell lived in Bennettsville till he was five years old, and then his family moved to Oak Ridge, TN. Oak Ridge is where he grew up went to school and graduated from Oak Ridge High School. Russell went on to work at the National Security Complex Y-12 and X-10 in Oak Ridge, and retired at the age of 65. 

He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church where he met, and married, Wanda Lynn O’Kain Jackson. Later they moved and became members of Central Baptist Church of Oak Ridge. As a member for more than 40 years, he served the Lord and ministered in choir and music in his younger years. Russell was a son, brother, father, grandfather, and a Coach. He enjoyed painting ceramincs, scroll sawing, coaching/sports, wood carving, gospil music/singing, and was a die hard Vols Fan didnt miss a game. Russell and Wanda spent many years coaching, teaching, and volunteering at Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge. 

Russell was a gentle soul, he liked to help and teach others when he could. He loved reading, writing short stories, listening to music, traveling, and his family. He was a father first, above all Russell’s daughter was his proudest achievment he was very proud of her and her family. 

In death Russell was preceded by his wife of 50 years Wanda O’Kain Jackson; parents, Woodrow Sr and Evelynn Jackson, paretns in-law Grady and Martha O’Kain; brothers, Woodrow Jr and David Jackson; and grandson Micheal Rowe.

 He is survived by daughter and daughter in-law Wendy and Heather Jackson, and “adopted” daughter Machelle Rowe; grandchildren, Christopher Rowe, Shahannah Rowe, Sebastian Cornelius, and Savannah Cornelius; and several great grandchildren whom knew him as “Grandpa Russ”; sister in-laws Joyce Jackson and family from Oak Ridge, Karen Moneymaker and family from Greenville, TN, and Carol Hammer and family from Edenton NC.

 Flowers or sentiments can be sent to 198 Sweetgum Ln Oak Ridge, Tn 37830. Russell was cremated per his wishes and unfortunately he did not want a service or ceremony family may have a small celebration of life at later time.

 An online guest book will be at Weatherformortuary.com