Golden Triangle resident Turner “T.J.” Jackson, a devoted Christian, enthusiastic golfer and entrepreneur whose Columbus barbecue establishment was once featured in an Alaskan newspaper, died last Wednesday.
He was 67.
Jackson was a lifelong active member of the community. He was a member of Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and served as chairman of the Trustee Board, president of the Lay Organization and a delegate to the church North Mississippi Annual Conferences.
He helped found the Golden Triangle Golf Association and was a small business entrepreneur of T.J.’s Backyard Barbeque & Grill, as well as other small businesses. A review of T.J.’s Backyard even ended up in the Anchorage Daily News, and he often appeared in the pages of this newspaper because of his community involvement.
“He was really into grilling and golf,” Aubra Turner, his daughter, told The Dispatch on Monday. “Those were his hot things.”
Turner also said her father grilled for various businesses and organizations all over town, including Mississippi University for Women events and Relay for Life.
Jackson also served on the Columbus-Lowndes Democratic Executive Committee, Columbus Housing Authority Board, Prairie Opportunity Board, the local NAACP Chapter, 100 Black Men and Lowndes County Voter’s League, according to his obituary, which was released by Lee-Sykes Funeral Home.
Turner described Jackson as an outgoing “free-hearted person” well-known for his barbeque and Christmas lights. He loved talking about politics and his experience in the Vietnam War and would give advice to anyone who asked.
“So many people knew him and so many people’s lives have been touched by him over the years,” Turner said. “Whether it’s been through him giving them advice, life lessons, or just reminiscing about his life.”
Turner said she would always remember the time she spent with him and the advice he gave her.
“My fondest memories were our family gatherings,” Turner wrote in an email to The Dispatch. “During holidays, he would fire up the grill and invite everybody over to get a plate. He was just that type of person. I’m also going to miss sitting beside my dad at my daughters’ awards day ceremonies, band concerts and soccer games. He would never miss a school function for his granddaughters.”
“He was my inspiration, and I thank God for the time that we all spent together,” she added.
A visitation will be held at the Lee-Sykes Funeral Home from noon to 7 p.m. Friday. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Trotter Convention Center.
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