Billy Gale Jackson

Billy G. Jackson, 90, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2023. He was born May 26, 1933 in Morrisonville, Illinois, the second son of Cecil and Aleta Frost Jackson. Bill grew up and attended school in Taylorville, Illinois. He graduated in 1951.

Bill remained a bachelor most of his adult life, until he met and married his soul mate, Shirley Johnson. They were looking forward to celebrating 13 happy years on September 18, 2023.

Right after high school, Bill enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving as an aviation electronics technician maintaining the airborne radio and radar equipment while a member of an airborne Naval flight crew. His naval service ended September 1955, but he remained in the Naval Reserve for a term, during which time he provided field service to a number of military aligned corporations including Curtis-Wright to maintain the good operation of KC-97 Flight Simulators at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; Gilfillan Co, Los Angeles, California, and ACF Industries, Inc. Riverdale, Maryland where his assignments were served in Germany and Japan.

He was intent on earning an academic degree, but this took some time because he worked full time positions to fund his academic pursuits. He did eventually accomplish that goal, and earned his BA degree in August 1969, from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, German major, with other concentrations in history and English. He was the winner of the Borden Freshman Prize. The following February 1972, he received his MS degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Graduate School of Library Sciences, emphasis on automation, information retrieval and cataloging. And again, in 1980, he received a Certificate of Advanced Study Degree at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

From July 1, 1972, until he retired June 1, 1995, he thoroughly enjoyed his roles at the University of Missouri Ellis Library, his final title being document access Librarian. He often remarked, “Being a librarian is the best job I ever had.”

Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley, and by a large step-family: daughter Penny Angell [Scott]of Columbia, Missouri: son Brady Johnson [Maria] of Schertz, Texas; grandchildren, Emily Phaup, High Point, North Carolina; Allison, Sarah, Megan, and Julia Phaup, Columbia, Missouri; James, Adaline, and Delaney Johnson, Shertz, Texas; Amanda, Garrett, and Hayden Bass, Bartlett, Tennessee; Josh Austin, Somerville, Alabama; Ansleigh Austin, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Conner and Emerson Austin, Oxford, Mississippi; Bryan [Tari] Benne; Brooke and Jaxon Benne, Ellabelle, Georgia; Nephew Rick T. Ebling and niece Melissa Ebling, Atchison, Kansas; Brother-in-law, Richard J. Ebling, Canon City, Colorado. Other survivors are Nephew Ricky Jackson [Beth] and family, Arvada, Colorado; Nieces Angie Dick [Ryan] and family, Slidell, Louisiana; Keri Potter [Shannon] and family, Denham Springs, Louisiana; Sisters-in-law Dixie Tippy [Bill], Russellville, Arkansas, and Sheryl Jackson Turner, Duncanville, Texas; Cousin Pat Eggerman [Larry], Taylorville, Illinois.

Bill was a quiet natured, gentle man, with a quick dry wit. He was addicted to books. He enjoyed mysteries, historical and reference books, and all kinds of puzzles. Having been a long-time bachelor, he welcomed the attention of and interaction with his inherited family, especially the grandchildren. He was their “Grandpa Bill,” and he adored playing that role. For many years, he walked daily at the Columbia Mall which he believed was a primary reason for his good health. His quiet presence will be deeply missed.

There will be no formal funeral service. There will be a private gathering of close family and friends at Bill’s final resting place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, Illinois, alongside his parents and sister, Kay Jackson. Two brothers, Rick and Dale Jackson, also predeceased him. Plans to hold a future celebration of his life are not yet finalized.

Memorial arrangements are in the care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Missouri 65202.

The family would welcome contributions in memory of Bill to be made to MU Ellis Library, Shriners Childrens’ Hospital at St Louis, Missouri, Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Jackson family.