William Billy Bird B. Jackson

William Bird Jackson

William Bird Jackson, age 88, died peaceably on July 18, 2012.

Billy was born February 26, 1924 as the only child of William and Ruth Jackson. Billy was born with a

severe hearing impairment and was sent to a private school for the deaf in Oklahoma when he was

three years old. He stayed there for five years coming home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and

summer vacations.

He attended Denison schools for two years before going back for speech training. As a result, Billy was

very adept at American Sign Language, but preferred speaking and lip reading. When he returned home

to Denison, he completed his education in Denison Public Schools becoming the first deaf person to

graduate from Denison High School in 1942.

After attending Austin College for several years, Billy joined his parents in working at Denison

Greenhouses (on West Munson) which was owned by Miss Ollie Bird (Billy’s namesake who was also

Principal of Peabody Elementary). When Miss Bird died, she left the business to Billy who continued to

employ his parents. Billy was a successful and well known businessman at both the local and state level.

He sold the business and retired in 1972.

Billy was a wonderful dancer who enjoyed feeling the beat of music and moving with the rhythm. Billy

also enjoyed automobiles and for many years you would see Billy driving around town in a new Buick

Riviera. In recent years, Billy was known for driving his blue Dodge Neon. As a lifelong bachelor, Billy

frequented many local eating establishments and would enjoy the companionship of his many friends

over long meals. His laughter and smile were always an invitation to share a story.

Billy was a “cradle” Episcopalian and a devoted member of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Denison. Billy

was baptized October 12, 1924 by Rev. Walter Loflin. After he sold Denison Greenhouses, Billy was a

fixture at the parish serving as its Treasurer and Bookkeeper for over forty years. Billy also served as

an Eucharistic Lay Minister for over fifty years. In appreciation for his many years of service, in 2010 St.

Luke parish created the Billy Bird Jackson Lay Ministry award to recognize outstanding lay leadership

and service.

The Texoma Council for the Deaf was another passion of Billy’s and he served on that Board for over a

decade frequently volunteering in the office and serving as Office Manager and bookkeeper.

In 2005, the Denison Alumni Association gave Billy Bird Jackson a Lifetime Achievement Award. The

award recognized him as a shining example of the ability of the human spirit to overcome hardships,

handicaps, and challenges and become a treasured and productive member of his community.

Billy leaves behind an extended group of friends from his parish work and the Denison community. We

have all been forever blessed by his presence as well as his talents. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral Service:

Burial rites are scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, Denison,

with the Very Reverend Don Perschall officiating and presiding with Fr. Gene M. Haddock assisting, The

interment at Fairview Cemetery will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Bratcher Funeral

Home, 401 West Woodard, in Denison.

Serving as pallbearers: Johnny Allen, Alvin Bailey, Maurice Coulter, Fred Lessly, Mike McKinley, and Fred

Pilkilton, Jr.

Billy always enjoyed the children of the parish and St. Luke’s School and was an ardent advocate

for education. As such in lieu of flowers, Billy requested that donations be made to St. Luke School

Endowment Fund, 427 West Woodard, Denison, TX.