Kay Jackson 1935-2025 Kay Jackson, 89, of Cisco, Texas, passed peacefully into Heaven on August 9, 2025 to be with his wife of 68 years, Bertie, who recently passed away on March 1st. He was blessed to accomplish his desire to finish up a life lived well at his home with his sons, sister-inlaw, and closest friends. He was a quiet warrior whose hands were always busy fixing things, helping others, and keeping life running.
Born in 1935 in Baird, Texas, to Terrell Thurman Jackson and Henrietta "Retta" Jackson, Kay moved with his family to Cisco at age five, where he would grow up, build his life, and leave behind a legacy of putting family first, quiet toughness, and a love for motorcycles that's spanned generations. He was deeply family-centered, lived with strong moral conviction, and remained obedient to what he believed was right.
Few people knew that Kay was a walking miracle. At age 16 he was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma cancer, and it was a given that he would only have a few years to live. He underwent X-ray radiation treatment, long before modern targeting techniques, that helped save his life - but it caused many lasting effects. He battled ongoing tumors and complications from that radiation for the rest of his life. Yet true to his character, he never made a big deal about any of it. He simply pressed on. His life was one of God's quiet miracles - a testimony of endurance, grit, and grace.
Kay started riding motorcycles at an early age - it was simply part of Jackson blood. That passion ran so deep that not even a broken leg could stop him. Not long after enduring cancer, Kay broke his leg in a motorcycle accident. But with a trip to Oklahoma already planned, he refused to back down and propped his casted leg up on the crash bar and made the ride anyway. That wasn't recklessness - that was Kay: driven, stubborn, and determined to keep moving forward, no matter what.
Kay met Roberta “Ber tie" Hamilton on May 10, 1956, at the Spot Café in Cisco-a moment that would become part of family lore. Bertie had just played a favorite song on the jukebox when Kay walked in, dropped a coin into the pinball machine, and the loud clanging and bells completely drowned out her music. She shot him a look - one he'd never forget - and the laughter started right then and there. That playful spark turned into conversation, which led to a ride on his motorcycle, and by October of that same year they were married. Their story began with a song that never got heard - and a connection that never faded.
Kay and Bertie had long agreed that because of his medical history, he'd likely go first. When Bertie passed before him, Kay was heartbroken. He had quietly expected to be the one to lead the way. But instead, he carried on without her for a little while longer, finishing strong just like he always did.
Though Kay once dreamed of making a living with motorcycles, the Lord gave him another purpose: teaching. He spent most of his career as a respected automotive mechanics instructor at Cisco College, where he mentored and trained generations of students. He may not have earned a paycheck from two wheels, but he left a lasting imprint in classrooms, garages, and lives from all over.
He and Bertie were also deeply involved in the family "Bryans" businesses that began in 1985. Bertie managed the books, and Kay offered wisdom, hands-on help, and mechanical backup. Their presence was steady and essential for many years as the businesses and relationships flourished with great success.
Even after retirement, Kay never gave up motorcycles. He was still riding at age 87, and many of those bikes - including ones passed down through the family - are now preserved in the Family Motorcycle Museum, currently housed in the Eastland County Museum in downtown Eastland.
Kay didn't live loud, but he lived full. He didn't preach, but he taught. He didn't chase fame, but he built a name you could trust. His story is one of grit, faith, and miracles - 15
told not in speeches, but in actions, loyalty, and love. And those who knew him best also knew this: Kay had a good, clean, and fun sense of humor. Whether it was a well-timed grin, a dry one-liner, or a playful comeback, he could make you laugh without ever needing a spotlight. His humor was part of what made being around him such a joy.
He was a devoted husband, a strong and steady father, and a proud Pawpaw and Great-Pawpaw. He is survived by his two sons, Terrell Jackson and wife Lynn of Cisco, and Bryan Jackson and wife Tina of Eastland; his sister-in-law, Nora Stroebel, and husband Loren; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry his spirit in their work ethic, laughter, and perseverance.
A Celebration of Life was held on August 13, 2025 at 10 AM at Kimbrough Jacobs Funeral Home in Cisco, visitation was one hour prior, and graveside followed. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Solaris Hospice for their compassionate team and loving care.
