Willie Jackson Jr. was born in Pratt City, Alabama on September 20,1941 to his parents Willie Sr. and Ozie Jackson. From this day moving forward he was bigger than life, he was named (Joe Luis) by the nurses at birth. Joe would become the name he was known by for the rest of his life. (The Real Joe Jackson)

Willie graduated from Praco High School in 1961. He joined the United States Army immediately after graduating. Willie was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War as a Field Artillery Specialist. He also was stationed in Korea during his tour, Willie received an Honorable Discharge on September 13, 1963.

He went on to marry his childhood sweetheart Vernetta Culpepper on April 26,1965. From this union two children were born, Vershoun and Derek Jackson. Willie and Vernetta moved to Cleveland in 1966.He worked for LTV Steel for a short period of time, then started his career at Alcoa. Willie retired after 30 years of service, he lived and remained in Cleveland until the passing of his wife Vernetta in 2018. After the loss of his wife, he relocated to Las Vegas with his daughter. Willie loved his time in Las Vegas, he was so fascinated with the beauty of the mountains. He also enjoyed the beautiful year-round weather.

Willie is survived by his daughter Vershoun Weaver (Las Vegas Nevada) Grandson Patrick Jackson and his wife Lisa (Frankfurt Germany) Great Grand Daughter Amy Jackson (Frankfurt Germany) Sister Lois Jackson (Atlanta GA) Sister and Brother in-law Christine (DC)Tolbert (Stone Mountain GA) Sister Joanne Jackson (Washington DC) Sister Brenda Sneed (Birmingham Alabama) Sister Betty Pearson (Phoenix Arizona) Brother Leon (Evelyn) Jackson (Birmingham Alabama) Brother and Sister in-law Warren and Barbra Culpepper (Las Vegas Nevada) Sister in -law Melinda Culpepper (Birmingham Alabama) And a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends. Family members and loved ones who proceeded him in death: Willie Sr. and Ozie Jackson (Father and Mother) Vernetta Jackson (Wife) Derek Jackson (Son) Peter Jackson (Brother)Kenny Jackson (Brother).