Frank Jackson (Alabama)
Walter Frank Jackson (born March 13, 1915, died 1983), was an Alabama Democratic politician, former business, civic leader, and representative from Opp, Alabama. Jackson served several terms as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from this area. In addition, he served two terms on the Opp City Council from 1952 to 1960; he was a charter member of the Opp Lions Club in 1946, served as president of that organization from 1945 to 1950, and was still an active member at the time of his death; he was a member of the Opp City Board of Education from 1951 to 1952; he served two years as president of the Opp Chamber of Commerce from 1950 to 1951 and from 1962 to 1963; he served as Worshipful Master of Opp Lodge number 605 from 1949 to 1951 (Freemasons).
Jackson was well known by the people of this area (Covington County, Alabama), for his many civic endeavors, but he was best known for his efforts to bring about the realization of the lake and state park that is today known as the 'Walter Frank Jackson State Park,' which is located north of Opp on Lightwood Knot Creek.[1]
The project, through an act of the Alabama Legislature, was named in his honor. Representative Jackson spent tireless hours both during and following his tenure in the legislature lobbying for this project, and through his efforts several million dollars were allocated for this endeavor. Right up to only a few weeks prior to his death Jackson was still making trips, writing letters and making telephone calls all across the United States in an effort to see the project completed.
In earlier years Jackson served the city as a businessman in the business of selling and servicing agriculture equipment, and through this work he became widely known to the many farmers and agri-businessmen in this part of the country. During his later years as a representative he did not forget the people in agriculture and he worked hard for passage of bills that were in their best interest.
Jackson was born in Wilsonville, Alabama on March 13, 1915 to William and Ida Lee Jackson. He later married Mary Brown and they had three daughters, Judy, Frances, and Sue. Walter Frank Jackson had two sisters, Eunice Wood, and Louise Johnson. He also had five brothers, Terrell Jackson, Speer Jackson, Karl Jackson, Edgar Jackson, and Forrest Jackson of Leeds, Alabama.
It was Jackson's dream to bring a major recreational area to the people of Opp and Covington County, Alabama. During his 12-year tenure serving as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, he served under three different governors. In 1966 he was the first citizen of Opp elected to the 40th District, State of Alabama to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Walter Frank Jackson moved to Opp in 1945. His professional life in Opp started when he owned and operated Opp Equipment Company. In 1961 he joined Morgan Distributing Company, serving as Vice-President and General Manager. After his retirement in 1972, he continued to serve on Morgan's Board of Directors. Jackson was well known by the people of Opp and the surrounding area, as well as to the State of Alabama. His devotion to Opp was evident in his active civic, public, and business involvement.
During his 36 years as a resident of Opp he never forgot the people whom he represented. Jackson's quiet but effective manner of getting things done will live on through the enjoyment of future generations at the Walter Frank Jackson State Park.