Siloam Springs Remembers Beloved Barber, Pilot, and Community Pillar

William 'Bill' Jackson, a lifelong resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away at the age of 84.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

William 'Bill' Jackson, a lifelong resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away recently at the age of 84. Jackson's life was marked by varied pursuits and deep community involvement, including his work as a barber, pilot, and avid outdoorsman. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and was known for his caring nature, often making house calls to provide his barbering services to those who were homebound.

Why it matters

Bill Jackson's life exemplified the values of community, service, and dedication that are cherished in Siloam Springs. As a beloved local figure, his passing is a significant loss for the town, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps of giving back and making a positive impact on their community.

The details

Jackson's early life took him to New Orleans at the age of 14, where he worked as a roofer. It was during weekend visits home that he met Marilyn, who would become his wife of over 63 years. In 1961, he returned to Siloam Springs with Marilyn to start a family. He continued his roofing work and later added machinist work at Webb Wheel to his resume. In 1976, he pursued a new career path, attending barber school and partnering with Jerry Price to open the City Barbershop in downtown Siloam Springs, which they operated for three decades. Beyond his professional life, Jackson was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman, and in the early 1980s, he became an instrument-rated flight instructor.

  • Jackson was born on July 8, 1941.
  • He met his wife Marilyn in the early 1960s during weekend visits home from New Orleans.
  • Jackson returned to Siloam Springs with Marilyn in 1961 to start a family.
  • He opened the City Barbershop with Jerry Price in 1976.
  • Jackson passed away recently at the age of 84.

The players

William 'Bill' Jackson

A lifelong resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, who worked as a barber, pilot, and avid outdoorsman, and was deeply involved in his community.

Marilyn Jackson

Bill Jackson's wife of over 63 years.

Jerry Price

Bill Jackson's business partner in the City Barbershop.

Robert and Barsha Jackson

Bill Jackson's parents.

First Baptist Church

The church where Bill Jackson was a long-time member of the 'Upper Room' Sunday school class.

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What’s next

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. At Wasson Funeral Home, located at 441 Hwy. 412 W., Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

The takeaway

Bill Jackson's passing is a significant loss for the Siloam Springs community, but his legacy of giving back, making a positive impact, and inspiring others to do the same will continue to live on.