William "Billy" S. Jackson

William Stephen Jackson (Billy), age 100, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in his home in Bellville Texas.

Billy was born on October 20, 192,4 in Bellville, Texas the third and youngest child of Katrina (Lyth) and Abner E. Jackson. Bellville would always be his home after living a short time in Clifton, Texas. He attended Bellville schools beginning in second grade and graduated from Bellville High School in 1941. He was a proud member of the undefeated 1938 Bellville Brahma football team as a center and backup guard. He enjoyed several projects in Vocational-Ag. At the young age of 14, both his parents passed away within 60 days of each other. He and his brother and sister moved in with their aunts, Maggie and Edna Lyth in Bellville. They took them in and supported them as their own.

Billy was drafted in June of 1943 and assigned to the Army Air Corps. He was part of the Fifteenth Air Force, 456th Bombardment Group, 745th Squadron. He was a nose gunner of his crew and flew several strategic bombing missions. On Friday, October 13, 1944, during his 36th mission, their B-24 Liberator nicknamed, “The Reluctant Beaver” was hit and the eleven-man crew bailed. They were all captured and Billy would be a prisoner of war until April 1945. He and the others spent time in a prisoner-of-war camp, Stalag Luft IV, and in February 1945, he was part of the Black March traveling an estimated 600 miles on foot. Friend Alton Haverlah, also in Stalag Luft IV, once commented that Billy was “one helluva tough man” as he would carry other POWS with him to prevent them from being left behind. Billy was discharged on October 25, 1945, and returned to his home in Bellville.

In March of 1947, Billy married Jeanette Mewis and he adoringly referred to her as “his bride” for 64 years. Together they raised four children, Stanley, Sherrie (Doll), Steven, and Suzanne. Billy was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church and when he was not able to attend he would enjoy watching on his iPad. He worked in the Humble Oil Fields and Gulf Brewing Company until he began his career in raising cattle and working alongside his father-in-law, C.A. Mewis, affectionately known as “the Boss” with his cattle operation and the Sealy Auction. He was a devoted family man and son-in-law, spending many hours driving “Booty” to Arkansas, Rosebud, and wherever the cattle would lead them.

Billy enjoyed keeping up with and watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their various events. He was a member of the Bellville VFW, the Disabled American Veteran’s Association, the Austin County Livestock Association, Beef and Forage Committee, and he enjoyed his involvement in the Austin County Fair and served in many aspects as a volunteer. Billy was a member of the St.John Lutheran Brotherhood and served on the church council as well as assisted with the church blood drives. He took delight in camping and traveling with Jeanette and later found great joy in attending his Air Force reunions and POW conventions. Billy was an avid Astros fan and attended as many Aggie football games as he could.

Billy is survived by his four children and their spouses; Stanley and Belinda Jackson, Sherrie Hoppe, Steven and Lori Jackson, and Suzanne and Greg Braun. Ten grandchildren; Grandsons Shawn and Wendy Jackson, Brent Jackson, Kirk and Angela Hoppe, and Grant and Kelsi Jackson. Granddaughters, Mallory and Danny Ferreira, Jenna Jackson, Bethany and Johnny Ellis, Sarah and Trey Supak, Brittney Johnson, Briana, and Lance Larson. He was blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren one arriving in March. Billy leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as wonderful friends.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette, parents, Abner and Katrina Jackson, brother and sister-in-law, A.E. And Dainty Jackson, sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Burnice Gaines, brother-in-law Billy Mewis, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bubba and Janie Mewis. Also, son-in-law, Frankie Hoppe, and daughter-in-law, Elois Jackson.

Pall Bearers include Shawn Jackson, Brent Jackson, Kirk Hoppe, Grant Jackson, Juan Rodriguez, David Jackson, and B.J. Gaines. Honorary pallbearers include granddaughters and members of the Bellville VFW.

The family would like to thank his faithful and loving caregivers, Maria, Sonja, and Griselda, as well as Juan, his faithful ranch hand for 38 years.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Billy had many setbacks in life but his faith never wavered nor his love for America. He was a true patriot and pillar of strength for his family. He rarely spoke harshly and always had a positive outlook. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, sayings, and many stories. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to St. John Lutheran Church or the St. John Lutheran Retreat Center.