Resident of the Month

George Edwin Jackson was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 12th, and grew up in the Cannons Campground community. From an early age, George learned about Jesus, made a personal decision to follow Christ, and came to understand that his purpose and value were rooted in his identity in Christ. He embraced the virtues of hard work, responsibility, and service to others. George attended Spartanburg High School, where he excelled as a baseball player, and later attended Spartanburg Community College.

Service to His Country

George answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea following the Korean War. He received specialized training as a sniper, developing the discipline, courage, and precision required for the role. During his service, George had the unique honor of hosting and escorting U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina during the senator’s visit with American troops. After completing his military service, George returned home to South Carolina.

Husband, Father, and Pops
In April 1962, George married Bobry Hayes. Together, they raised two children, Joy and Dennis. Family remained at the center of George’s life, and his years of hard work were driven by his desire to provide for and care for those he loved.

Over the years, George became affectionately known as Pops to his grandchildren—Jackson, Kristen, Brandon, Jacob, Gracie, and Maggie. In April 2026, he added another title to his resume: Great-Grandpa, with the birth of his great-granddaughter, Oakley Joy. He now eagerly awaits the arrival of his great-grandson, Denver Jax, expected September 5.

A Career and Community Leader
George built a respected career in the Upstate textile industry, serving in quality-control management at Dan River Woodside Mills and Ship & Shore Industries before concluding his career at Glen Raven Mills in Anderson.

Alongside his career, George devoted himself to public service in the City of Liberty. He served six years on City Council and ten years as mayor. He was a friend to people from all walks of life and treated everyone with dignity, respect, and value. As mayor, George was instrumental in helping bring additional industrial ventures to the Upstate, creating opportunities for economic growth and employment. His leadership was rooted in relationships and a genuine desire to see his community prosper.

Still Making Friends at 92
At 92, George has begun a new chapter at Oakview, where he has quickly done what he has always done—made friends. He has embraced his new surroundings, built relationships with residents and caregivers, and even learned to use an iPhone. In addition to being honored as Oakview’s September Resident of the Month, George continues to look forward to each new chapter.

George’s life is woven into the story of the Upstate—from Cannons Campground, to Korea, the textile mills, the City of Liberty, and now Oakview. Yet his greatest legacy is found in people: Bobry, Joy and Dennis, his grandchildren, and his growing family.

After 92 years, George is still adding to his resume: Soldier. Sniper. Textile Leader. City Councilman. Mayor. Husband. Father. Pops. Great-Grandpa. Friend. Servant Leader.