Edward Bennett Jackson, age 75, of Texarkana, Texas passed away Monday, October 12, 2020, at a local hospital.  Coach Jackson was born February 6, 1945 in Camden, Arkansas, to Edward and Beatrice Jackson.

Eddie is survived but his wife of 41 years, Kathy Muse Jackson, one son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Beth Jackson of Gurdon ,Arkansas, two brothers, Joe (his wife Katherine) of Ponchatoula, LA, Tommy Jackson of Camden, Arkansas and two sisters, Belinda (her husband Randy) Grant and Patty Jackson all of Camden.  Eddie is also survived by three precious granddaughters, Claire, Presley and Laityn of Gurdon.  Eddie is also survived by one sister-in-law, Donna Sharp (Gary) of Prosper, Texas and his mother-in-law, Mariam Purtle, of Prescott.

Eddie graduated from Camden Fairview High School in 1963. He received his BSE from Southern Arkansas University in 1969 and MSE from Henderson State University in 1976.

Eddie made his mark coaching football at Prescott High School from 1969-1997 where he led the Curley Wolves to three State Championships in 1973, 1975 and 1995.  Coach Jackson also was a very successful track coach leading Prescott to three State Titles in 1986, 1989 and 1992.  Eddie was selected as an AHSCA All-Star Football Coach in 1976 and 1996.

After leaving Prescott, Coach Jackson worked two years in Hampton, Arkansas, as well as Texas High in Texarkana, Liberty-Eylau, Hooks, Texas and ended his coaching career at Genoa Central Schools.

Coach Jackson was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaching Association Hall of Fame in 2006.  In November of 2013, the Prescott School Board honored Eddie by naming the football field and track in his honor. Eddie was so appreciative of this recognition.

When not coaching, Eddie loved to hunt and fish and watch Kyle’s football games. While playing at Arkansas Tech, Eddie never missed any of Kyle’s games. He could be found on the sidelines of any game he attended….he NEVER sat in the bleachers!

Eddie was blessed with a large group of friends over the years.  Some of his good friends were coaches he tried to beat on Friday night and then he would go fishing with them the next day.

But, in addition to his coaching friends, he had an unbelievable group of friends from elementary and high school. They supported him at his ballgames and in later years would show up to help celebrate his birthday when he physically wasn’t able to leave the house.  You were a huge blessing in Eddie’s life.

A special “Thank you” goes to Brett Brzeski who drove Eddie every Friday night the last six years so Eddie could attend Kyle’s ballgames.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Prescott High School Football Stadium.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or their favorite charity.