On Friday, April 17, the Lord called Alvin Lee Jackson, Jr. home. Known as Alvin to many, Al to family and Tank to a few, he was born in Ashland, VA on June 20, 1949, to Alvin Lee Jackson, Sr. and Beatrice Wiley Jackson Sims. Alvin was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church in Ashland.

Lovingly called "Tank" for his powerful presence on and off the football field, Alvin graduated from John M. Gandy High School where he earned his nickname Army Tank Jackson. He carried that nickname and his football skills to Virginia Union University. His fondest football memory was playing against rival Virginia State University where his sister Marilyn attended and she along with their parents watched him dominate on the field.

Whether pulling people from danger, safely delivering children home, or putting families in homes of their own, Alvin spent his life in service to others. After many years of dedicated service, Alvin retired from the City of Richmond's fire department. He always loved being around kids and in retirement dedicated his time as a part-time school bus driver for the Richmond Public Schools. Beyond his years of public service, he grew his interest in real estate from an agent to broker, eventually opening his own business, Alvin Jackson Real Estate.

Alvin cherished his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was known to bring it into the house to keep it warm and dry in bad weather. He shared this passion with his brother Tony and nephew Tony Jr., and the three of them often reminisced about an all-day ride they shared on a warm summer day a few years ago. Those who knew him well also remember that Alvin could make anyone laugh at any time, and that he most enjoyed getting people to laugh at themselves.

Alvin is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Lee Jackson, Sr. and his mother, Beatrice Wiley Jackson Sims.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Alvin "Sonny" Lee Jackson III (Crystal), Jacob Carter, and Mitch Jackson; grandchildren: Quatala Jackson, Christopher Banks, Adriana Jackson, Ellis Parker (Cheyenne), Ryan Carter, and Wes Carter; great-grandchildren: Tahj Adams and Rhylen Glover; brothers and sisters: Marilyn Harris, Anthony "Tony" Jackson (Mary), Michael Jackson (Benita), and Vera Pleasants (Donald); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Devoted: aunt Rev. Shirley James and friend Sadie Wested