Leonard C. Jackson, 90

Leonard C. Jackson, 90, of Forest City, NC died Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Born in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Frederick and Tilda Hawkins Jackson and widower of the late Mary Lou Phillips Jackson. Leonard played professional baseball for eighteen years, having been drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization and later playing for the Detroit Tigers organization. During that time, he played for teams in Janesville, Macon, Gainesville, Dallas, Johnstown, Jacksonville, Columbus, Charlotte and Asheville. He also played for and managed the Rutherford County Owls in the early 1960's. Leonard attended Gardner Webb College and graduated from Western Carolina University.

He was an member of Crestview Baptist Church, Forest City.

Surviving are his sons, Tony Jackson and wife Debra of Inman, SC and Greg Jackson of Kings Mountain, a brother, Morris Jackson; three grandchildren, Katie Jones, Josh Greene, and Robby Bellamy; seven great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Jean Sellers.

A graveside service was held September 25 in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Forest City.

Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com.

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.