Tommy Jackson, 85, of Nashville, died Friday, March 20, 2026, at his residence.

He was born April 20, 1940, in Bainbridge, GA to the late James Whit Jackson and the late Geraldine Williams Jackson. He retired from the United States Army, worked at Glasstream Boats, City of Nashville and Tommy Griner Pontiac. He proudly served the United States Army beginning in 1962. He served as an infantryman and Special Forces Soldier during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7), was a decorated Green Beret and completed over 330 missions. His military service included combat duty in Vietnam and extensive airborne operations. He served honorably for over 21 years of active military service and earned numerous decorations recognizing his courage, leadership and dedication to duty. Special Forces Motto: "De Oppresso Liber"- "To Free the Oppressed". He loved his family, enjoyed being outdoors, yard work and gardening, made knives, leatherworking, reading his Bible and enjoyed history. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Linda Jackson who died in 2014; 2 daughters: Tina Jackson and Kay Jackson; son-in-law: Joe Ed Barrentine; 4 sisters: Udale, Sis, Leona and Ester; 2 brothers: Mac and Elmer.

He is survived by his wife: Lea Kauffman Jackson of Nashville; daughter: Lisa Barrentine of Homosassa, FL; 4 sons: Tommy (Kim) Jackson, Jr of Bremen, Scott (Karla) Jackson of Adel and Archie (Debbie) Grindy of Richmond, UT; Ben Jackson of Nashville; 5 grandchildren: Nickey (Trey) Griffin, TJ Jackson, Kristen Kreager, Meagan Roberts and Chris Jackson; 5 great grandchildren: Abbey Jarvis, Tucker Griffin, Ava Griffin, Alice Roberts and Michael Roberts; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Swain officiating. Interment will follow in the Nashville Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation is Friday in the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Funds.