Gary started out with a career in banking and held many positions during that time. While moving up in this career, he got the call to become a minister. Gary eventually started ministering full-time. Some of the churches he pastored include Providence Church near Weir, MS, Kilmichael Baptist Church, in Kilmichael, MS, where he pastored from 2005 until around 2017, and Bethsaida Baptist Church in French Camp, MS.
In November 2003, Gary was first elected to the Mississippi Senate. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. He resigned on June 30, 2020 due to health issues.
Funeral services will be held at Kilmichael Baptist Church in Kilmichael, MS, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00PM. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. A second visitation will be held prior to service time starting at 10:00 AM on Wednesday at Kilmichael Baptist Church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Morgan Chapel Cemetery near Sturgis, MS at 3:00 PM.
Gary is survived by his wife, Dianne (Poss) Jackson; two sons, Corbett (Tammy) Jackson of Sturgis, MS and David (Stacie) Perry of French Camp, MS; his mother, Sara (Wylie) Jackson; two brothers, Tom (Carrie) Jackson of Sturgis, MS and Randall (Becky) Jackson of Choteau, MT; two sisters, Beverly Rives and Aurie (Frog) James of Sturgis, MS; 8 grandchildren, Sara Jackson, Megan Jackson, Chase Jackson, Anna Jackson, Kyla McKnight, Colin Perry, Cody Perry, and Kambrie Perry; and a great-grandchild, Cora Beth Crocker.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Auvergne Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to French Camp Academy.