Henry Leester Jackson

Known by many names; Cosmo, Hightower, Action Jackson, Too Tall, and his self-proclaimed Dr. Jackson, Henry Leester Jackson Jr. was born to the late Supt. Henry Leester Jackson Sr. and Nannie Lee Jackson on February 10,1954. And who knew from this moment on our lives would be forever changed.

Raised in Plainview, T, were he relentlessly courted and married Willie Faye Wright on September 19, 1975 in Clovis, NM. He proudly described his meeting as "love at first sight", and eventually won her over and this began their life together.

Henry was a 1973 graduate of Plainview High School, where he helped to take his varsity basketball team to win district and co district championships, while continuing to work alongside his parents and siblings serving in the church. After graduation Henry attended Wayland Baptist on a basketball scholarship; where he studied Criminal justice and Physical Education. After leaving Wayland, this began his 33-year career in law enforcement; in 1974 him becoming the first Black Deputy Sheriff in Hale Co. Thereafter he worked with the Plainview Police Department, where his name began to be known in the streets for his heart for serving his community. He was active and supervised various community basketball, volleyball, and flag football leagues that also went on to win various championships. In addition to sports, Henry continued to grow his interest in religious activities. It was his father's influence and idea that Henry aired a Spiritual radio program on KATX each Sunday evening. While continuing to advance his career and spread his message of servitude and community, Henry moved his family to Odessa, TX in 1983. During his time with ODESSA Police Department, his continued passion for uplifting the youth moved him to sphere head the PAL (Police Athletic League), where he became a father figure and mentor to the community that he found pure joy in serving. Thereafter propelling him to becoming ECISD Chief of Police, where his direct yet playful and humorous bedside manner continued to win over the hearts of those he came in contact with. Henry served with his whole heart and leaned on his faith as his guide.

Henry was preceded in love by his beloved parents, Supt. Henry Jackson Sr. and Nannie Lee Jackson, brother, Robert Jackson, grandson, Andrae Wright Jr.

He covered a lot of ground during his life and his impact will be felt and his story will be told again and again by those who loved him; his wife of 48 years, Willie Faye Jackson, his five children, Andrae Wright (Tandria) of Midland, TX, Shanna Wright of Ft. Worth, Tx; Henry Jackson III of Waco, TX; Aisha Tupiza (Victor) of Ft. Worth, TX; and Corey Jackson (Anya) of Waco, TX. 8 sisters, Connice Smith of Lubbock, TX; Teresa Jackson of Desoto, TX; Ramona Tarver (Gerald) of Temple, TX; Patricia Roberts (Willie) of Abilene, TX; Gwen Powell of Canyon, TX; Lula Powell of Canyon, TX; Lola Davis (Gary), of Arlington, TX; Demetria Thompson (David) of Killeen, TX; 3 brothers; Rickie Jackson of Plainview, TX; Gerald Jackson of Arkansas; Obrien Jackson of Phoenix,AZ; 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends that were held in his heart like family.

"Not to be served but to serve." (Mark 10:45)