Obituary of Doyle Haywood Jackson
Doyle Haywood Jackson, age 79, known to many as D.J., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 25, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1946, in Jasper, Alabama (Walker County), to Claude and Ila Pearl (Boles) Jackson.
D.J. began working as an auto mechanic for the Gulf Oil Corporation. He later entered the tool and die trade, working for Burroughs Corporation in the 1960s, followed by Awrey Bakery until 1973, where he honed his skills in machine repair and rebuilding. He went on to Faygo Beverages, where he worked as a journeyman, rebuilding and repairing large bottling machines. He was a member of the IAM union and served as recording secretary for a time. After 30 years at Faygo Beverages, he retired but continued to take on skilled work, including welding, carpentry, and electrical repair.
D.J. had a passion for classic cars and loved racing and restoring them. His other hobbies included bowling, coin collecting, fishing, woodworking, golf, and pickleball. While he did not serve in the military himself, he was a deeply patriotic man and a steadfast supporter of family and friends who served, including his brothers, son, son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Gail (Rozenboom) Jackson. They met in 1963, and married on March 26, 1966, in Redford, Michigan. Together, they lived in Livonia, MI, before retiring to East Tawas, MI, and spent winters in Alamo, Texas.
He and Gail enjoyed their retirement, traveling and camping across the country, and spending time with family and friends. Through it all, he never stopped dancing.
He is also survived by his daughter, Tracy (Randall) Dennis, and son, Thomas (Laurie) Jackson; grandchildren Jordan (Aialasa) Jackson, Andrea Jackson, Ryan Jackson, Colton (Michelle) Dennis, and Victoria Dennis; and great-grandchildren Kaden Williams, Kaileia Jackson, and a baby boy Dennis expected in early 2026. He leaves behind in-laws Ronald and Vicki Beck, and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren and never missed a chance to be there. Whether it was a sporting event, concert, dance recital, or major milestone, D.J. showed up—cheering them on every step of the way.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Albert (Buck) Jackson, Jacqueline (Joyce) Blackwell, Constance (Joan) Jackson, and Thomas (Earl) Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations in Doyle Jackson’s name to one of the following organizations: Glioblastoma Foundation Inc Donate online,
Compassus Hospice Angels (Compassus of West Branch) Make a memorial or honor donation,
Iosco County Humane Society Monetary donations: Donate online via PayPal,
or mail to: Iosco County Humane Society, 3881 West M-55, Tawas City, MI 48763
The family extends a thank you to Mid-Michigan Cremation Society and to Compassus Hospice, especially nurse Jill Anthony, for their care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held in East Tawas, Michigan, in spring 2026. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
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