Earl "Bud" Jackson

Earl “Bud” Edward Jackson, 84, of Manila, Arkansas departed this life on Monday, April, 13, 2026 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on December 23, 1941 to James Earl and Gennetta Geraldine Cockrum Jackson in Etowah, Arkansas.

Bud proudly served his country, spending two years in the United States Army followed by eighteen years in the United States Navy. During his military career, he was honored to be part of the Challenger Space Shuttle recovery efforts. Throughout his life, Bud wore many hats. He worked as a lineman with AP&L, a butcher at a grocery store in Forrest City, a school bus driver, and even took on a side job repairing coin-operated machines. No matter the role he carried himself with pride and determination. He had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or fishing, and he also had a passion for flying. He was known for always having a story to tell and a smile to share. Bud loved spending time with his family. He raised five daughters, and always enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister: LaVelle Jackson Mann.

Bud is survived by his wife: Glenda Marie Jackson of the home, five daughters: Melita Sims Ellington (Brian) of Conyers, Georgia, Gina Jackson of Monette, Arkansas, Rhonda Jackson Witcher (Ronnie) of Middleburg, Florida, Dana Simpkins of Manila, Arkansas, and Kayla Jackson Pinkard (Matt) of Grand Forks, North Dakota, one sister: Patricia “Pat” Ellis (Larry) of Gosnell, Arkansas, six grandchildren: Corey Sims, Clayton Redding, Camden Metheny, Tyler Simpkins, Mariah Green and Katie Metheny, and two great-grandchildren:

Ethen Sims and Devlen Sims.

Funeral services will be held at Delancey Funeral Home in Lepanto on

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and

visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow in Garden Point Cemetery, Etowah, Arkansas.

Family request, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Garden Point Cemetery fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home, Lepanto.