Keith T Jackson

OBITUARY KEITH TYRONE JACKSON 1 Corinthians 13:11 reads, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." On Sunday, January 26, 2023, Mr. Keith Tyrone Jackson (Keith), also known as "Train Man" boarded the Heavenly Express Engine #98 bound for Canaan Land. Keith was born October 26, 1965, in Queens, New York to the late Evangelist Antionette "Arvetta" Hill. He is the oldest of two children. Keith is preceded in death by his grandmother, Dorothy Blye Jackson and aunt, Blanche Jackson-McNeil. Keith attended P.K. Younge Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida and graduated in 1983. He graduated from engineering school in Georgia. Keith was birthed from a family of doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, musicians and prominent individuals, so he was only destined for greatness. He was raised by his devoted grandmother, a school teacher, the late Dorothy Blye Jackson. She instilled skills, morals and values that would prepare a young boy in becoming a man. Keith was a member of Greater Bethel AME Church, Gainesville, Florida where he served as an Usher. Keith also had community affiliations as a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #10, (MWUGL) Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated. Keith was different; he knew his destiny would set him apart from others. He knew for a fact that he would be going places and by that, all around the United States. Keith shared a love for trains at a young age, hence is nicknamed "Train Man". As a child Keith would be eager to visit his great grandparent's house, not only to see them, but to watch trains come and go from across the street. When Keith was older, he would ride his bike to the different "train yards" and photograph the different trains until sundown with one of his best friends, David Moore. Keith knew engines like the back of his hand. From watching trains and speaking with engineers and conductors he was able to build friendships. He also became a mentee and truly learn the operation of the profession. Keith didn't have to worry about sitting in the common area of a train, he was granted opportunities to sit in the first car with engineers. Keith worked at Georgia Pacific for years, but never gave up on his dream to operate trains. After various trials and tribulations, Keith never strayed away from the Lord and knew God had plans for his life. Keith would quit working for Georgia Pacific and become a bagboy and clerk for Amtrak station in Waldo, Florida. His hard work and tenacity paved the way, and the very trains he would sit and watch go by, he would be offered a position as a conductor in Fayetteville, North Carolina. With his continued faith in God, he would move to Raeford, North Carolina and obtained his engineering license. He would then go on and work for Amtrak, Seaboard Coast Line and CSX Railroad from which he retired. Later in life Keith would shift gears from the train tracks to the rough asphalt ground as a long-distance truck driver for C.R. England Inc. Keith leaves to cherish his memories, his brother, John Hill, nephew, Kairo Hill, a devoted cousin, Veronica Richardson Ward, 1st cousins, Constance Stitt Faulk (Perry), Janice Thompson, Tony Ross, Darryl Blye, Cecil Blye Jr, Steven Blye, Eugene Blye, godmother, Vivian Stubbs, loving god-sister ConJwanna "Tina" (Darryon, Sr.) Robinson; many family members and friends. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday February 09, 2023 at Greater Bethel AME Church 701 SE 43RD St, Gainesville, FL 32641. The Interment will be in Newberry Cemetery (Newberry, Florida.). Visitation will be held at the Chestnut Funeral Home, Inc., 18 NW 8th Ave from 4:00pm-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Arrangements Entrusted to the Care of Chestnut Funeral Home. Cards may be sent to 18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. To order floral arrangements, please visit www.chestnutfh.com/obituary/ . Any questions may be directed to 855-5-CHESTNUT or admin@chestnutfh.com. "A CHESTNUT SERVICE"

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Keith T Jackson

October 26, 1965 - January 26, 2023