Billy Stephen Jackson

Billy Stephen Jackson, 74, of Hensley, passed into his heavenly home Thursday, February 5, 2026. He was born in Paris, AR, to the late Clarence Foster Jackson and Joyce Mullins Jackson. He was the fifth of seven children.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dwight A. Jackson and Robert L. Jackson.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy Ann Jackson; son Shawn Stephen Jackson and his wife Amber Leigh Jackson; daughter Melanie Dawn Hutchinson and her husband Brian Joseph Hutchinson; grandchildren: Brian Joseph Hutchinson II, Isabella Leighanne Jackson, Niyah Lael Hutchinson, Drake Stephen Jackson; siblings: Jackie Jackson(Hia), Greg Jackson(Judy), Irvin Jackson(Sheila), Rebecca Wilson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Billy graduated from Fuller High School in 1969, where he was class president his senior year. Billy played American Legion baseball for Arkola, where he was one of the best left-handed pitchers in the state. After graduating high school, he served in the active Army military intelligence for two years. Billy completed his time of service in the National Guard before being honorably discharged.

Billy followed his dad’s footsteps and began his career with the Rock Island Railroad. He continued his career with MoPac and finished his career with the Union Pacific, where he retired.

Billy started volunteering at the East End Substation for the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. After serving as a volunteer, he decided to become a reserve deputy for the SCSO. Once he fell in love with being a reserve patrol deputy, he wanted more. Billy furthered his career as a part-time deputy where he was a SWAT medic, Honor Guard member, and also became a detective. Serving his community as a law enforcement deputy fulfilled a passion he had for helping and serving his community.

Billy enjoyed many different hobbies throughout his life which included fishing, hunting, camping and reloading. Fishing was his true passion. He started his fishing at Lake Millwood catching stringers of five pound largemouth bass on his famous hand-tied mop jigs. Soon after the word got out on how he was catching all of these big bass, the local tackle shop decided to sell some of his jigs. He agreed to sell a few and shortly after that the tackle shop put in an order for five hundred jigs. Needless to say that amount of jigs to make became a huge under taking for the whole family. That started the other passion that he had carried throughout his life. He was one of the best tackle makers around. He was able to make most of his tackle that he fished with. He was known for his famous “Grey Hair Bucktail Jigs” and his “Purple Spider Spinnerbaits”. These two baits were used to catch hundreds of bass at his favorite lake located in Arkadelphia. This was Lake DeGray. The bass in Lake DeGray are definitely breathing a sigh of relief knowing that Bill and his fishing partner of many years ”Leroy Kizer” would not be putting any more holes in their lips.

Billy was a faithful man who valued his relationship with God. He was a dedicated church member, at East Union Missionary Baptist Church. He found strength, guidance, and fellowship through his faith. His faith shaped the way he lived, and he loved his family.

Above all else, Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was known for his strong work ethic, servant’s heart, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. His legacy of service, faith, and love will live on through the lives he touched.

To honor Billy’s life, visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St, Benton, AR, with a service immediately following at 4:00 p.m. Burial will take place the following morning, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR.

Billy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his faith gives us comfort knowing he is now at peace in his heavenly home.