GORDO Pastor Willie C. Jackson, age 72, of Gordo, was called to eternal rest April 28, 2009, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Popular Springs CME Church with Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III officiating. Burial will follow in Linebarger Cemetery with Druid Funeral Service directing. Visitation will be today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church.Pastor Jackson was born to the union of Arthur Lee and Estella Jackson on August 8, 1936. He was preceded in death by his brother, Sam; his mother, Estella; and his son, Tony.He dedicated his life to Christ and united with the First Baptist Church of Gordo under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Summerville, where his ministry emerged and his service for the Master began. He later united with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where his ministry became fully manifest as evidenced in his growth as a pastor. He was the undershepherd of many flocks in the Tuscaloosa district. Left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted wife, Dorothy; five daughters: Cynthia Aaron of Atlanta, Ga., Janice (Johnny) Whitfield of Birmingham, Ala., Vanessa (Cedric) Long of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Pamela and Xylina Jackson, both of Gordo, Ala.; his father, Arthur Lee Jackson of Gordo, Ala.; one sister, Lula Mae McCrary of Gordo, Ala.; ten grandchildren, Ferrell, LaKeisha, Tim, Jason, Cedric, Jr., Akeem, Jazmine, Julia, Johnathan, and Jacob; and several great-grandchildren. During recent years, he fought the good fight of faith as he battled many illnesses and in this sad hour we would like to acknowledge the extraordinary healthcare professionals that made the burdens of his life a little lighter for him to bear. To his primary caregivers, Dr. John Brandon, Dr. Sunil Chandra, Donna Owens, RN, Kathy Taylor, RN, Michelle King, RN, Lisa Pate, RN and Jessie Bishop, CNA, we thank you for your tireless service and dedication to our beloved. To the phenomenal staff of the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at DCH Regional Medical Center: Registered Nurses: Jolee, Calee, Bridgett, Jenilee, Jackie and Ann; Respiratory Therapists: Lillie and Sharon, you brought new meaning to the word compassion with your hugs and smiles. Finally, to Dr. Warren Holley of Cardiology and Associates of West Alabama, words are simply inadequate to express the dedication and compassion you have shown to our family, you are simply beautiful in every possible way.