Celebrates at his church of 68 years
Polk County native Yates Jackson turned 100 years old on Nov. 26, 2011.
Jackson was recently treated to a party at the Landrum First Baptist Church, where he has been a member for 68 years.
Jackson was born in Mill Spring to his mother and father, Dora Gibbs and F. C. Jackson.
He lived in the Lake Adger area before there was a lake. Jackson’s family is known for longevity, as his cousin Grace Wilson was the oldest person to have ever lived in Polk County when she died at age 107.
Jackson is also the cousin of Frank Jackson, who had a well-known cattle farm in Mill Spring. In Jackson’s adult years he lived in the Morgan Chapel area.
Jackson’s work career included Adams Millis in Tryon. He also worked at Fair Forest and his last job was at the Bigelow plant in Landrum.
Born in 1911, Jackson’s life has spanned many wars. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was honorably discharged on April 21, 1946 as a sergeant with the 280th Field Artillery Battalion. Jackson was then given a letter of commendation by General Omar N. Bradley.
Jackson appeared to be in good health during his birthday party, his friends said. He did not look his age, except for a hurt foot that had him in a wheelchair, said friends who attended.
As the party was over, Jackson told his niece, Jane Clayton, he wanted to go to a fish camp to eat some catfish stew.
Jackson’s friends and family wished him a happy 100 birthday.
– article submitted
by Ted Owens