Joe Billy Jackson, 92, of Owensboro, passed away on May 6, 2026. He was born in Owensboro, KY on October 12, 1933, to the late Oscar and Anabelle (Howard) Jackson.
Joe Billy often called himself a “miracle baby,” born after his mother had been told she could have no more children. He entered the world during some of the hardest years of the Great Depression, when jobs were scarce and food was even scarcer. His father worked the coal mines, picked blackberries, fished, and raised a garden to provide for the family, teaching Joe Billy the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. As a boy, he walked to school every day and graduated high school with a special award for never missing a single day in 12 years, a testament to the determination that defined his life. He proudly served in the Navy from 1952 to 1960, traveling to many parts of the world, yet never losing his deep love for home and especially for his mother, whom he remembered fondly by bringing back a kimono from Japan. Later in life, he carried on the traditions he learned from his parents through gardening and canning, and no one ever left his home empty-handed — whether with canned goods, treasured photographs, or coins from his collection. Joe Billy was known for his kindness, his love of animals, and his welcoming spirit, always leaving his back door open for any furry visitor, even once taking in a rooster for a time. Even into his late seventies, he rode his bicycle daily along the bike trail in Owensboro. Strong in his faith and a devoted member of Greater Ebenezer Temple, his favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, and he often said that faith is what makes the difference in how people approach both life and death.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Victor Ray Jackson, James Carl Jackson, and Erma Jackson Fleming; and a nephew, Dennis Ray Jackson.
Those left to cherish his memory include his nieces and nephews: Gwen (Clark) Williams, Sally (David) Denton, Mary (Andre) Fleming Tollefsen, Charles Fleming, William Fleming, David Jackson, and Charlie (Susanne) Jackson; cousin Pat Shipley; great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and great great-great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, with Rev. James Moore officiating at Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery Chapel. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial to take place at Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301, and/or Greater Ebenezer Temple, 1528 W 9th Street, Owensboro, KY 42301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Joe Billy Jackson. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Jackson and sign the virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.