Jackson Louis Brumfield, 85, a resident of Franklinton, died Monday morning, April 10, 2017, at his home.

He was born to the late John A. Brumfield and Ophelia Bridges Brumfield in the Hayes Creek community on May 1, 1931. Jackson married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Magee, in 1954. Soon after, he became the first athlete from Franklinton to play for a professional sports team. “Stonewall Jackson” played for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL until an injury cut short his professional career. He then served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill for two years before he and Mary Lou moved to Terrebonne Parish, where he taught school and coached for over 10 years.

Jackson eventually made his way back to Franklinton, where he became a successful dairy farmer and football coach at Bowling Green School. He was also a co-owner of S&M Fertilizer Company. He was a longtime member and deacon of Clifton Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday school. Jackson enjoyed gardening which allowed him to share his vegetables with those in his community. He also enjoyed playing golf and following his grandchildren in whichever pursuits they participated in. He loved children and helped support their causes, be it those of his family, church or at Bowling Green School. He would also play the role of Santa Claus for his family gathering each year.

He is survived by: three daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila and Jerry Guy, Jackie and Randy Thomas, and Jewel and Jerry Fruge, all of Franklinton; six grandchildren and spouses, Curt and Melina Guy, Laura Guy, Shelley Thomas, Emily and Wes Stewart, Caleb Fruge and Cailee Fruge; two great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Linda Brumfield of Mt. Hermon; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anna Dell and Phillip Creel of Franklinton; and also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Louise Magee Brumfield; four brothers, John R. Brumfield, Elgin Brumfield, Denman Brumfield and Jimmy Brumfield; and two nephews, Reggie Brumfield and Denny Brumfield.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 12, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday, April 13, at Clifton Baptist Church (27312 Highway 25) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, with the Rev. Tony Hicks and nephew the Rev. Frederick Brumfield officiating. Burial will follow in the Hayes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to his caregivers, Brenda Magee and Irma Singleton, for their support through the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Clifton Baptist Church Youth Fund.