Dennis Murl Jackson, a renowned athlete and public servant, responded to the call of his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 18, at 1:53 a.m., at Baptist Health of Paducah. His life, characterized by compassion and generosity towards others, concluded peacefully after 84 years, 10 months, and 20 days. He was born to the late Jiles Jackson and Rozelle Blanton Jackson in Murray, Kentucky, on August 28, 1940.
Dennis or "Mr. Jackson," as he was called by many, committed himself to Christ at a young age. He was baptized into the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Murray, KY. His journey with Christ began as the Superintendent of Sunday School, a Sunday School teacher, and an usher. Later in his life, he became a member of Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church of Paducah, KY, where he was a loyal and dedicated member who served as deacon until his passing.
Dennis continued his education after attending both Douglas Elementary and Douglas High School, where he graduated as the salutatorian of his class. He was highly active in sports, particularly football and track and field, and he enrolled at Murray State University as the “FIRST BLACK ATHLETE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS AT THE UNIVERSITY”. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in history and physical educationD (PE) and later obtained his Master’s Degree and Rank I, which is 30 additional hours beyond his master’s in administration.
His dedication never wavered. His initial teaching role was at Trigg County, KY, where he taught history and PE. He then relocated to Benton Harbor, MI, to teach history. Subsequently, he joined Walter Jetton Middle School of Paducah, where he taught history and PE and also served as a coach. He later moved to Paducah Middle School, continuing his work in history and coaching. Following this, Dennis transitioned into administration, first as assistant principal at Paducah Tilghman High School and then as the Director of Pupil Personnel for the Paducah Public Schools. He excelled in every role he undertook.
In 1984, Dennis became a member of the first black Greek letter fraternity, Xi Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., here in Paducah. This marked merely the onset of Dennis's contributions through his talents and skills in community service. He was an active member of the Human Rights Commission and became involved in the sports community as a basketball official, serving as a referee both locally and statewide, earning numerous accolades for his dedication. Dennis’ many contributions, acts of
Kindness, and goodness afforded him a “Dennis Jackson Room” on Murray State University’s Campus.
When inquired about his well-being, Dennis would invariably reply, "If I were any better, I couldn’t stand it." If someone were to describe Dennis, they would likely say, "He was a sports enthusiast." He took pleasure in bowling and fishing whenever time permitted, and in his youth, he enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting with his father. Dennis had a passion for all music genres and felt most at home on the beaches of Florida.
Awaiting at Heaven’s Gates for Dennis’ arrival along with his parents were his siblings, Otis Johnson, Thomas Wesley Jackson, Lauretta Ward and James Jackson. Standing alongside them was also his nephew, Glen Jackson.
He leaves to cherish his many memories: His Wife of 61 Years, Patricia Ann Brandon Jackson and One Son, Brandon Wesley Jackson, both of Paducah, KY; Two Sisters, Elizabeth Hudspeth of Saginaw, MI and Cozzette Mazique of Houston, TX; One Uncle, Wilton (Joan) Jackson of Fort Knox, KY; Four Brothers-In-Law, Bobby Brandon of Knoxville, TN, Delmus Brandon of Benton Harbor, MI, Leslie Jerome Brandon and Charles Brandon, both of Atlanta, GA.; A Host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, many Cousins.
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. James L. Hudson officiating.
Family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
There will be a second service on Friday, July 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Murray, KY with Dr. Jerome Brandon officiating.
Family will receive friends on Friday at St. John Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.
Burial will follow in Murray City Cemetery.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
