William was born on June 14, 1945, in Charles Town, West Virginia, to Daniel David Jackson, Sr. and Mary Francis Taylor Jackson. Affectionally nicknamed “Mickey” by sisters based on the size of his ears as a child.

At an early age, Mickey accepted Christ and began a lifelong journey of faith. After moving to Columbus, Ohio, he became a member of Vineyard Columbus church.

A West Virginia All-State football player and two-time state long jump champion at Harpers Ferry High School, Mickey graduated in 1963. Following high school, he was excited to attend college away from home, especially because it gave him the opportunity to continue his passion of playing football. He was recruited by the Marshall University head football coach, Charlie Snyder. Grateful to remain relatively close to home, Mickey attended Marshall, where he majored in physical education and continued to develop as both a student and athlete.

Mickey played as a standout halfback and tailback for the Marshall Thundering Herd. As a sophomore in 1964, he assisted Marshall to a 7-3 record in what would be the school's last winning season for 20 years. During the 1965 college football season, he had a remarkable year, rushing for 704 yards and scoring 96 points (totaling 16 touchdowns), which placed him fourth nationally in scoring among all college football players. A 1968 graduate of Marshall University, Mickey won three letters each in football and in track and was inducted into the Marshall University Hall of Fame in 1985. Mickey was also a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. His fraternity membership became another meaningful part of his college experience and his lifelong commitment to brotherhood, leadership, and service.

On June 14, 1969, Mickey married his college sweetheart, Linda Curry on his 24th birthday. Their marriage became the foundation of a loving family and partnership that lasted 57 years. From their union, three children were born Denise, Carrie and William.

Following graduation, his football talents earned him an opportunity to sign with the Buffalo Bills and pursue a career in professional football. Although he was released from the team, the experience opened the door to a new calling in coaching. Mickey was offered a teaching and coaching position at Huntington High School in West Virginia. Summer of 1970, he returned to Marshall University, joining the football program as an assistant coach working with the offensive backs and receivers.

November 14, 1970, while coaching at Marshall, he was scouting Ohio University at Penn State with fellow coach, Carl Koker when the tragic Marshall plane crash occurred that claimed the lives of members of the Marshall football team, coaches, staff and members of the community. He returned to Marshall and remained with the university during one of the most difficult periods in its history. He played an integral part in rebuilding “The Young Thundering Herd” coaching the running backs. Mickey’s connection to the tragedy became part of the story portrayed in the Warner Bros. film, “We Are Marshall” in 2006.

Following his coaching days at Marshall, Mickey briefly coached at Miami University of Ohio before moving to The Ohio State University. There, he spent five years coaching the running backs alongside legendary head coach, Woody Hayes. During his time at Ohio State, Mickey had the opportunity to coach Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history. His years of coaching truly shaped his lifelong philosophy of discipline, dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and hard work.

After leaving Ohio State, Mickey transitioned from athletics into the business world. He carried the lessons he learned through football into his professional career. During the late 70’s he worked in the steel industry (co-owning Jackson Metals) before joining State Farm Insurance in 1985, opening his insurance agency, eventually serving as an Agency Field Executive and retiring after 25 years on June 1, 2011.

Even after retirement, Mickey remained deeply committed to philanthropy, mentorship and serving others. Throughout his years in Columbus, he took on leadership roles in numerous community organizations and initiatives. He was involved with the Urban League’s Success Matters program, he served as a board member of Directions for Youth, and the Project Connect Advisory Board. He also volunteered as a Big Brother through the local Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization.

Mickey maintained a strong connection to Marshall University throughout his life. He served as President of the Marshall University Alumni Association National Board of Directors for two years and served on the Erickson Alumni Center Committee. He later served on the Marshall University Foundation. Mickey helped lead a fundraising campaign that contributed $100,000 toward a dedicated area in the new alumni center honoring the “Young Thundering Herd” and co-captain Nate Ruffin. His continued service demonstrated the lasting love and loyalty he had for Marshall University and the people connected to it. In October 2024, he was inducted into the Black Alumni Marshall Hall of Fame.

On June 14, 2026, Mickey and Linda celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary, marking more than five decades of love, partnership, family, and memories.

Mickey leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond football. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, mentor, businessman, community leader, and friend. His life was defined by faith, family, discipline, service, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, he remained the epitome of humility, never once bragging or boasting.

From the football fields of Marshall and Ohio State to the business world and the communities he served, Mickey touched countless lives. His legacy will continue through his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, former players, colleagues, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mickey will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Daniel Jackson, Sr.; sisters Mary Catherine Jackson-Norton (Elbert) Linda Mae Jackson, Frances Louise Ware, Peggy Marie Colbert, Lorraine Ann Stanton; brothers, James Clifton Jackson, Don Leon Jackson, and Daniel David Jackson, Jr.

Mickey is survived by his wife Linda Jackson, daughters, Denise Jackson, Carrie (Dwayne) Lee, son William (Tia) Jackson, grandsons Darien Mayle, William Miles Jackson and Cole Jackson , and his only granddaughter Kendall Lee; sisters Margaret Smelley of Clinton, Maryland, Delores Foster of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Karen Jackson of Alexandria, Virginia; and brother Paul Jackson, Sr. (Brenda) of Westerville, Ohio. He leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and devoted friends.

Your kind words, calls, visits, and messages have been greatly appreciated throughout this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Marshall Foundation at give.marshall.edu.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00a.m., at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.