LEWISTON / AUBURN – Samuel Lewis Jackson Jr., 88, passed away Jan. 16, 2026.
Born in Slab Fork, W.Va., to Samuel Sr. and Flossie (Spinner) Jackson, Sam moved to Maine as a teen. He was a 25-year employee of Tambrands and co-owner of Chicken City and Chicken of Maine in Auburn.
A man of many talents, Sam was a 1980s Mr. Maine bodybuilder and a fixture at the Auburn YMCA. At the age of 62, he joined the Turner Fire Department, impressing the department by outperforming rookies decades younger. He served as a Deacon at Leeds Community Church and Chaplain for Turner Fire, often sharing his beautiful singing voice at local services.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Annette; loving children, Virgie, Kathleen, Tammy, Valerie (Elbert), and Alicia (Gaetan); adoring brother, Andrew (Gayle); 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son, Michael; and 10 siblings.
A celebration of life will be held in Maine in the Summer of 2026.
To honor Sam’s spirit of service, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
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