Pastor Howard “Lamar” Jackson entered his heavenly home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on October 10, 1942, in Mississippi to the late William Howard Jackson and Virga Ora McKee Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Elaine (Watkins) Jackson and his grandson, Jackson Luke Myers.

Lamar lived a life devoted to serving others and his faith. To know him was to know a man whose heart fully belonged to Jesus Christ. He graduated from Bethel College with a degree in seminary and faithfully pastored numerous churches throughout his life, including Charleston CP Church, Coker Church, Kosciusko CP Church, Erin CP Church, Walnut Grove CP Church, Atwood CP Church, Antioch Church, New Ebenezer Pleasant Mount CP Church, Steam Mill CP Church, Salem CP Church, Silverdale CP Church, and Flint Springs CP Church. He served as head of The Ministerial Association of Rhea County, was the minister of music at Charleston CP Church and help with the music at Pikeville CP Church. His ministry extended from beyond the pulpit, reaching deeply into the communities he served.

Outside of his pastoral calling, Lamar worked at Bendix-Allied Signal for 24 years before retiring in 2003. He was passionate about mentoring young people and made a lasting impact through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, helping guide many young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout including his son, Mark.

Lamar had a deep love for music and especially cherished singing at church. He was also a proud and dedicated blood donor, generously giving over 12 gallons throughout his lifetime to help others in the community. He loved his Saturday morning coffee club at Hardees with his friends or the Huddle House after evening service at First Baptist.

He is survived by his children, Mark Thomas Jackson of Cleveland, and Melanie Ann Jackson Myers of Dayton; his grandson, William Clayton Myers of Dayton; and his beloved cat, Sophie.

Serving as pallbearers are John, Stokes, David Bond, Cecil Jackson, Mark Jackson, Richard Graham, and honorary pallbearer, Tommy Crawford.

Lamar’s life was one of faith, service, and love. Everyone who met him, especially later in life, referred to him as precious. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family and friends he cherished, and the unwavering example he set for all who knew him.

Funeral services for Lamar will be in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Rhonda McGowan officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Walnut Grove, MS.

Please share your memories and photos of Lamar on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

Memorial contributions in Lamar’s honor can be made to Pikeville CP Church, P.O. Box 787, Pikeville, TN 37367.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.