Henry Carson Jackson Jr. of Opelika, Alabama, died in his home on Jan. 3, 2023. He was 71 years old. Carson was born on May 25, 1951, in Opelika, Alabama, to Henry and Cherry Sue Jackson. From the moment he was born, Carson was full of humor and perhaps a bit of mischief. His childhood dream was to be Davy Crockett and was often seen around town wearing a coon skin hat. Carson graduated from Opelika High School and received his B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in business and fun.
The day after he graduated in 1973, Carson returned to Opelika and began officially working at the family business, Piedmont Fertilizer Company, which is also the oldest family-run business still in Opelika. However, his work for the family business did not begin after college but rather as young as 7 years old when he began to spend his summers and Saturdays working various jobs in both the office and the plant.
Those who knew him can attest that his work ethic was unparalleled. A late start to a day for him at the office was 5 a.m.: so by the time he made his beloved Post Office trip at 9 a.m., he had already worked a half day. He served as the President and CEO of the company until the Fall of 2021 when he turned over operations to his children. He also served as a Board Member of First National Bank of Opelika (later BancorpSouth).
In 1977, Carson married the late Lillian Randall. Those closest to him know that he never fully healed from her passing and was eager to reunite with her. Together, they raised three children and had nine grandchildren, who affectionately called him Poppy.Carson had an infectious personality and an unabashed and unashamed humor. If you ever had a conversation with him, you were bound to become a victim of what his grandchildren called “A Poppy Joke.” He also kept a collection of $2 bills which he passed around to friends and strangers alike. The recipients were given simple instructions as follows — “Do not spend it. Keep it in your wallet and you will never go broke.” Perhaps, the thing that he was best known for was his generosity. The greatest joy he had was in giving to others – whether it was to close friends, charity or to strangers. He believed that no matter how great or small a gift was, God was using it to bless others. He is survived by his children Laurel Buckalew (Michael), Henry Jackson (Stephanie), and Jane Randall Cleek (Drew), and Grandchildren Stone Cleek, Sewell Buckalew, Sloane Jackson, Lilli Cleek, Everly Jackson, Josephine Cleek, Blythe Jackson, Styles Cleek, and Daria Jackson, and his siblings Cherry Jackson and Trudy Hung (Steve).
Visitation was held on Sunday, Jan. 8, at Frederick Dean Funeral home from 3 to 6 p.m.
A Celebration of Life service was held at Church of The Highlands – Auburn East Campus on Monday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to New Birth Ministries, Storybook Farms or Food Bank of East Alabama.
