"Multi-talented, knowledgeable and willing to share his many gifts with humanity" is the embodying phrase that defines husband, father, educator and friend Lawrence Everett Jackson, Sr., also known as "Doc," "Papa Doc," and "Larry." This ninth child born to Mary (Smith) and Romeo Jackson on June 14, 1940 in Charleston, WV, began his well-lived journey of 71 years packed with momentous achievements, magnanimous accomplishments and the gratification of seeing so many dreams fulfilled. A graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, he earned a B.S. Degree at West Virginia State College (now University) and continued his education with graduate studies at Bloomsburg State College (PA). After ROTC training in college, he served in the United States Army as an officer and paratrooper. Upon completion of active duty service he was promoted to the rank of Captain, Reserve commissioned officer of the Army. Larry lived life with the belief (in his words) "if you have talents and don't share them, that's a sin. You serve God by serving humanity." During a Christmas activity of his sophomore year at West Virginia State, he met Beverly Hill, a coed from Montgomery, West Virginia, who instantly became the "love of his life." After their graduation from college, on Christmas Eve in 1963, she became his "bride," the name he used for her until the day he died. His greatest fervor was to impact the future by educating youth. After 35 years as an educator, he retired from the Burlington Township (NJ) School District where he coached the high school girls' basketball team and advised The Creatives Art Club. Additionally, he coached women's basketball at Mercer County (NJ) Community College, as well as little league soccer and basketball. He also founded the Youth Club of Mt. Holly (NJ). This life-long learner enjoyed learning about everything. Among his many interests were genealogy and history—especially the Buffalo Soldiers, Native Americans, and the Civil War. It was in New Jersey that Larry began to pursue his entrepreneur passions, first by establishing LaBev Goods and Services, an upholstery business where he made everything from custom draperies to leather chaps for horseback riders. Additionally, he built and established a grocery store, Your Little Market. YLM specialized in meats, fish, fresh vegetables, dry goods, and ethnic groceries. Goat meat, plantain, and fresh fish were especially popular among his customers. In addition, he was the CEO of Red Lion Auto Body Shop. Upon relocation to Virginia, he started his construction business--L & B Construction. A creative and multi-talented man, Doc was a fine artist, designer, plumber, electrician, carpenter, farmer, horseback rider, while serving as a West VA State College recruiter, family patriarch, and disc jockey. Larry enjoyed listening to all genres of music. As a young adult, he had his own rock and roll band that traveled and performed throughout the Kanawha Valley in West Virginia. On the dance floor with his "bride," he was exceptional! An avid motorcyclist, he founded the Rolling Cousins Motorcycle Club (NJ and WV) and was a member of the Central Virginia Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. In memory of a former Louisa County resident, he founded the Arthur W. Baker Memorial Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Cavalry. Papa Doc loved horses. While in New Jersey, he owned quarter horses. A huge dream was to have a farm with horses; and after retiring, he rethought his desire to own a summer home in Virginia and instead was able to move to Louisa and make the horse-farm dream a reality. The farm is known as "Almost Heaven." Larry always had time to help others in need—whether it involved physical labor, financial donations, advice, or just a listening ear. He served on the boards of the West Virginia State University Foundation, and upon retirement to Louisa, on the Louisa County Health Center Commission and the John Thomasson Charitable Foundation. He was a member of Citizens in Action (CIA) in New Jersey, the Louisa County Historical Society, Louisa Chamber of Commerce, the Louisa Branch of the Association for the Study of African-American Life & History (ASALH). Larry and his bride founded the 501 C3 Citizens in Action of VA (CIA/VA) and created a special division known as Citizens for Better Dental Health focusing on dental care for young children. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sisters: Mary Thompson, Ann Lewis, and Joan Burkett; and brothers: Ralph, Romeo Curtis, Louis, and Charles. In the early afternoon of September 25, 2011, Larry completed his earthly mission at the Martha Jefferson Hospital with his bride at his side and surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Beverly, his beloved wife of almost 48 years; children: Eric Franklin (Michelle) (KY), Lawrence (Lonnie) Everett, Jr. (WV), and Lori Lynn (VA); grandchildren: Erica Jackson (KY), Jewell Watson (FL), and Nasir Jackson (WV); brother, Thomas (NV); brothers-in-law: Ralph (Versie) Hill (WV), Wesley (Brenda) Hill (WV) and Charles Burkett (OH); sisters-in-law: Karen Hill (WV) and Katherine Allen (NV); nephews: Charles (OH) and Wesley (Janetta) Burkett (NC), nieces: Yvonne Burkett (OH), Sharon, Sheila, and Alicia Lewis (WV); cousins: Jane and Harry Black (WV) and a host of other relatives, friends, and associates. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Louisa Baptist Church, 305 E. Main Street, Louisa,VA 23093, with Dr. Larry Hoyle officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.