Samuel K. Jackson

Samuel K. Jackson, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 93 years old.

Born on February 29, 1932, to Alfred and Mary Boyd Jackson, Sam grew up with a deep love of family and country.

On July 11, 1953, Sam married the love of his life, Mary Emmaline Combs. Together they shared 57 years of marriage, raised a family, and built a thriving business together in Bristol, Tennessee. Their businesses included Sam’s Auto Paint and Body Shop, several rental apartments, and Sam’s Go-Kart Track. Sam was well respected by the Tri-City community of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. He was an active member of the local business community and the Bristol VFW. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War.

Sam was a man of steady faith and gentle strength, remembered for his infectious laugh and easy smile. He was devoted to his family and never met a stranger. Sam found joy in the outdoors—camping, fishing, and hunting—and shared countless adventures with his family, teaching them to fish and play poker around the kitchen table. His love for nature was matched only by his deep affection for his wife, family, and friends. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His adventurous spirit, warmth, and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife and parents, as well as his siblings: Ernestine (Tina) and husband Ernest Blackwell; Ruby and husband Bobby Gill; Bobby and wife Joann Jackson; and David and wife Peggy Jackson; and his great-grandson, Luke Racklin.

Sam is survived by his children: Kenneth and wife Rose Jackson; Samuel L. Jackson; Pamela Jackson and husband Joe Sirgy; and Judy and husband Guy Wirt. Sam was a wonderful grandfather to Bill Jackson, Todd Wirt, JJ Jackson, Brian Jackson, Emmaline Smith, Melissa Racklin, Danielle Barrick, and Michelle Sirgy, and a devoted great-grandfather to Bella Rosato, Mary Moss Wirt, Gib Wirt, Alec Rosato, Suzie Jackson, Julia Jackson, Korbin Jackson, Scott Gray, Jake Racklin, Karter Jackson, Zack Racklin, and Cade Barrick.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sam's caregivers, Amy Stevens and Crissy Ramsey, for their compassionate care, kindness, and support over the last four years of his life, as well as NRV Carilion Hospice in Christiansburg.

The family will receive friends and family at Frost Funeral Home of Abingdon, VA, on Tuesday, September 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jerry A. Eggers officiating. Sam will be laid to rest on Wednesday, October 1, at 12 p.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.frostfuneralhome.com.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Samuel K. Jackson.