Paul Wayne Jackson, 78, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017.  At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Paul was born on July 17, 1939, the youngest of eight children born to the late Richard Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth Hollis Jackson of Austinville, VA.  From an early age, he loved being on the family farm, working on farm equipment, and caring for the land and animals.  Paul was a graduate of George Wythe High School and Nashville Auto-Diesel College.  The majority of his career was spent as a diesel mechanic with Overnite Trucking, Inc., in Charlotte, NC, and as a dairy and beef farmer in Wythe County, VA.  Paul also served as a Wythe County school bus driver for 12 years and a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 99 in Austinville.  In his spare time, Paul loved riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, spending time with family, and spoiling his grandkids.

Paul met the love of his life, Opal, during their high school years.  Together, they had four children, Karen, Steven, Sandy, and Mandy.  Soon, they would have celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Paul is survived by his wife, Opal Archer Jackson; daughter, Karen Arnold-Caristo, and son-in-law, John "Jim" Caristo; son, Steven Jackson, and daughter-in-law, Donna Jackson; daughter, Sandra Suthers, and son-in-law, Howard "Chad" Suthers; and daughter, Amanda "Mandy" Rogers, and son-in-law, Kevin Rogers.  Grandchildren include Chad Arnold and wife, Sarah; Mariah and Tyler Arnold; Haley and Hunter Jackson; and Kaelyn and Ryan Rogers.  Step-grandchildren include Janiece, Drew, and Alex Caristo.  Paul is also survived by three sisters, Nettie "Sis" Peterson, Mildred Talone, and Carol Bowers; one brother, Warren Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Owen "Buck" Jackson, Richard "Jack" Jackson, Jr., and Norman Jackson.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21st, at Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville.  A memorial service will be held directly after visitation at 7 p.m. with Dr. Cindy Privette officiating.   Interment will be private.
Flowers are appreciated and those who prefer may make memorial donations to Galena Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Jackson family.