JACKSON Clarence Eugene Jackson, 72, passed away September 25, 2014. He was born December 1, 1941 in Nashville, Tennessee. His family moved to Savannah, Georgia shortly thereafter, where he was raised by his late parents, Johnnie Lee Jackson, Sr. and Mildred Evelyn (Chapman) Jackson. He moved to Jacksonville Beach in 1959. He loved the beach and his community, and was a member of First Christian Church of the Beaches, Disciples of Christ. Gene was a devoted and caring husband, survived and loved by Polly Jackson, his wife of 52 years. After serving in the Navy, Gene designed and engineered prototypes for manufacturing companies. His inventive spirit and technical skills are also preserved in the beautiful furniture he made for their home. A man of many interests, Gene enjoyed bird watching, gardening, playing tennis and being outdoors. He loved to share stories about fishing, boating and hunting with friends and family. His life was full of treasured moments and celebrations. Gene dearly loved and enjoyed spending time together with his family. He was always surrounded by his nieces and nephews, telling jokes and sharing stories. Gene was kind-hearted and patient, with a gentle, caring soul. He loved to share his wisdom, teach practical skills and impart valuable life lessons, especially to children. He was an exceptional chess player and a challenging opponent in Scrabble, cribbage, trivia and card games. Gene is survived by his wife Polly and his brother James Ilar Jackson (Linda). He is preceded in death by his brother, Johnnie Lee Jackson, Jr. and his sister, Peggy Ruth Jackson. He will be loved and missed by all his relatives in the Bailey, Clausen, Coulombe, Jackson and Lacambra families, and by his treasured friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 11, 2014 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church of the Beaches, Disciples of Christ, 2125 Oceanfront, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene s name to First Christian Church at www.FC2B.org. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com