Friends, family and Walthourville police officers gathered underneath the pavilion at Johnnie Frasier Park to remember Kenneth Lee Jackson, who died after being shot in front of his home Jan. 25.

During the candlelight vigil Wednesday evening, those attending encouraged each other to live peaceful lives.

Clifford Jackson, Kenneth’s older brother, said his brother was not a bad person and that he loved music and God.

“A lot of people know him. His heart was bigger than the world. To tell you the truth, my brother didn’t have a bad bone in his body,” Clifford Jackson said. “He loved the kids. He took care of mine better than I took care of my own. He looked out for every kid around here. He was real sweet. I never heard him raise his voice at no one, not even me, and I lived with him all my life. He was a good dude to everybody.”

Pat Jones, who worked with Kenneth Jackson at K&P Janitorial Services Inc., now P&K Janitorial, described him as having a good personality. He would smile, laugh and was very nice, Jones said.

The Walthourville Police Department has been assisting Jackson’s family members by checking on them and bringing over food. Police Chief Bernie Quarterman Sr. called the situation a tragedy for the families of both Jackson and the suspect. Thomas E. Jordan has been arrested and charged with malice murder, felony murder and weapons-related offenses in connection with the shooting death.

Officers responded to Jackson’s home in Cedar Hill Mobile Home Park at 10:16 a.m. Jan. 25 and found Jackson lying on the ground next to the steps leading to the mobile home. Jackson died at the scene despite his brother’s and first responders’ efforts to resuscitate him, police said.
Jordan turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office on Monday and made his first court appearance Tuesday, where he was denied bond.

“We have to learn from this and see what caused this altercation … so that we can direct these young men into a more positive direction and handle their differences in a different way,” Quarterman said.

Once candles were given out, those in attendance gathered together and formed a large circle, where they held each other’s hands. Family friend Sherita Ann Baker said a prayer mentioning forgiveness, love and support for Jackson’s family. Then Jacqueline Kelly sang the gospel song “Take Me Back” while candles were lit.

Baker addressed the gathered crowd, asking for people to not hold grudges.

“God does not make any mistakes. No, (Jackson) didn’t have to die that way, but reflect on what you do before you do it,” she said.

She discouraged retaliation and for people to consider the consequences if they do.

“Let the police do their jobs. God is not dead. You reap what you sow,” Baker said. “You’ve got to be here for the rest of your family. So if you thought you were his (Kenneth) friends, let him know that you really are his friends.”

Clifford Jackson repeatedly asked that people not to use guns. He said he used to be a hothead but has become more patient.

“All this killing has to stop. This is too much. I don’t have a hurtful bone in my body, but that took me,” he said. “Put the guns down.”

Quarterman agreed with Clifford Jackson, asking that people find other ways to handle disagreements.

“We have to find ways to stop our young men from killing each other. We have to find ways to help them vent in other ways—from verbal altercations ending up in tragic incidents,” Quarterman said. “Everybody is hurting — both family members. Let’s put the guns down. Let’s use this incident to help each other.”

Jackson’s sister, Nina Reaves, described her brother as a kindhearted, loving person. She encouraged people to carry themselves in the same manner and continue to be kind to one another.

His funeral was Saturday at Good Shephard Missionary Church. Adams Funeral Services Inc. of Savannah handled the arrangements.