ATL Standard

ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, expressed his sentiments on the recent passing of Kevin “Catfish” Jackson. Speaking about Jackson, Rep. Gilliard stated, “The community will feel the brunt of a person who was always so giving—he was a champion.”

Reflecting on Jackson's legacy, Rep. Gilliard highlighted, “Kevin Jackson was not just a member of the University of Georgia’s football championship team of 1980, but he was a champion for life. He championed for the least and the left out. He championed for the children. When Savannah State University was in need, he championed for Savannah State. In 2016, he was my campaign manager and a champion for me to represent the people. Kevin Jackson was a champion for Georgia.”

Kevin Jackson's contributions extended beyond the realm of sports. He was a member of the University of Georgia 1980 National Championship Football Team and the 1982 and 1983 Southeastern Conference Championship Teams. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of Savannah Economic Development Authority and on the Board of Directors for United Community Bank and Savannah Technical College. Most recently, he was appointed to the State Board of Natural Resources.

The passing of Kevin "Catfish" Jackson marks the loss of a respected individual who touched the lives of many in his community and beyond. Rep. Carl Gilliard's words serve as a tribute to the lasting impact and legacy left behind by Jackson.