Larry Jackson

May 21, 1946 - March 13, 2023

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Calvary Baptist Church Simpsonville

3810 Grandview Dr.

Simpsonville, SC 29680

(864) 967-7803 |

Monday 3/20, 12:30 pm

Visitation will follow the service.

A 55-year veteran of the communication industry, Larry built a powerhouse agency that has provided marketing strategy and services to globally recognized brands including Ford, BMW, Michelin, BFGoodrich Tires, and even the Harlem Globetrotters. In 2010, Larry assumed the role of Chairman of Jackson, with his son Darrell succeeding as CEO.

“Dad was my mentor as a father and as a marketer,” said Darrell Jackson, President and CEO of Jackson. “For years, I saw him passionately lead brands beyond their potential while also investing in our associates every day. Today, our “north star” is defined by the way Dad lived his life both professionally and personally-uncommonly creative, uncommonly collaborative, and always living out the golden rule.”

The roots of Jackson go back to 1980 in Detroit. It was then that Larry and business partner Sam Dawson opened Jackson-Dawson Communications, an agency created to help automotive brands with product launches and dealer training. They soon added a Los Angeles office, and in 1987 Larry moved south to open an office in Greenville.

Eventually, Larry divested of his interest in Jackson-Dawson Communications, rebranded the agency to Jackson, expanded the company to include Jackson Motorsports Group and opened a West Coast office in San Diego. Today, Jackson is 140 uncommonly collaborative, passionate people helping to grow brands with a complete offering of fully integrated brand and motorsports marketing services.

Larry began his marketing career serving as a public information officer in the U.S. Army. His responsibilities included directing training films and videos and serving as editor of the post newspaper. He was awarded the Army’s Commendation Medal for his services and was awarded an honorable discharge from the Army.

From there he joined the Ford Motor Company, where he served as supervisor/marketing services in Ford’s Public Relations Department at World Headquarters. His responsibilities included overseeing Ford’s extensive driver education program, educational film library, sales training, and meeting / presentation development for Ford senior management, as well as coordinating public relations for Ford’s motorsports operations. He then served as vice president and general manager of Wilding Division of Bell & Howell, a major U.S. communications company, and capped his corporate career as senior vice president, Ford Account Group.

Larry held a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in Film and Video Production from Bob Jones University. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2000. Jackson served on the Board of Trustees of Bob Jones University from 1982-2016 and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2013-2016. He has also served on numerous academic and professional advisory boards, including the Headquarters Recruiting Committee of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Technical College’s foundation board and on the Greenville County Economic Development Board. Additionally, he served on the boards of the Gospel Fellowship Association, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center, CMI Ministries and L.E.A.D Ministries.

Larry is survived by Betty, his wife of 54 years; children, Darrell (Alicia), Andrea (Matt), and Eric; plus grandchildren, Gage, Ellie, Ali, Clayton, Kaine and Merin.

The funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, Simpsonville followed by a visitation. A private burial will be held.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 Grandview Dr., Simpsonville, SC 29680 or by visiting https://calvarysimpsonville.org/.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Calvary Baptist Church Simpsonville

3810 Grandview Dr.

Simpsonville, SC 29680

(864) 967-7803 | Map

Monday 3/20, 12:30 pm

Visitation will follow the service.

Larry Jackson, 76, founder and former CEO of Jackson, a leading national brand marketing and motorsports marketing agency headquartered in Greenville, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, March 13, 2023. A 55-year veteran of the communication industry, Larry built a powerhouse agency that has provided marketing strategy and services to globally recognizedContinue Reading

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Our tribute to Larry will live on as this tree blossoms and grows. Caring thoughts are with you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Larry Jackson . Plant a Tree

I have many memories of Larry going back to when he taught the college age young people at Heritage Bible Church. I remember Larry teaching us practical Christian living and his taking us on trips to the beach and white water rafting. I recall Larry and Betty always being giving of their time, talents and resources to all in the church. What I recall most about Larry was that his faith in Christ was paramount and his Christianity was lived out daily. Larry was gracious, kind-hearted, and generous to all. Serving on the Men's Committee at HBC I was able to see that Larry did everything with excellence. He never aspired to be average; if you're going to put your effort into planning an event, then give it your full effort. If you are going to do a thing, then do it big and do it right, all the way the first time! Larry didn't do "half-baked" - Larry was all-in all the time. I see Larry as a mentor in my work ethic and he was a mentor to me in my Christian walk also. Thank you Larry for giving of yourself to me and to so many others. I will always remember Larry's chuckle with his squinty-eyed smile that made everyone comfortable and at ease in any event. Betty you are in our prayers. I pray the Lord will keep you and be gracious to you. Trust that He will hold you fast. With Sympathy, Andrew (& Stephanie) King

With my prayers and deepest sympathy

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A tree was also planted in memory of Larry Jackson

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Alluring Ellegance Bouquet was purchased for the family of Larry Jackson by Your Friends at Innovative Manufacturing and Design. Send Flowers

Betty I can’t tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Life can be very hard. We don’t understand but have to trust our sovereign God. So glad we have our Shepherd walking with us and holding our hand. Larry was a Godly, generous, gifted friend. We cherish those memories. God used him mightily in this life. We will see you Monday. Bob and Betty Miller

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Betty, Darrell, Andrea and Eric, I am very sorry to hear about your Husband and Father. I know he will be greatly missed. Will be praying for you in the coming days. Thankful for Larry's faith in Jesus Christ and for the confidence that death has not won the final victory.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. My years of working with the Jackson team while at Michelin are fond memories in my retirement years. Larry was a great leader of a great agency.

Oh guys. "North star" certainly describes Larry and how my heart felt about him. Rest assured 'Jack and Jump' met him at heaven's gate; he's already been fishing with grandpa Chalk, grandma Chalk has already cooked cornbread for him and he joined "uncle Levi" at the barn last night for a nightcap! Please know there are nothing but the fondest of memories for me of Larry AND Betty AND Darrell Andrea and Eric! Sarah and I have you all in our prayers! All my love Luna

Betty you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. The friendship that Larry and the Jackson’s afforded me in my Jr. and Sr years in the Academy helped me make it through. “Bowen” as I called him will be missed by this old Mohawk.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.