IN MEMORIUM

Scott Jackson, one of Clarendon County’s finest athletes, passed away at his home Sunday after a battle with lung cancer.

“He was very sick and you expected it someday, but when it happens, nobody’s prepared for it,” said Hall of Fame committee member Bill Brewer. “It’s still shocking.”

Born Aug. 22, 1932, in Manning, he was the son of the late Moultrie Reid and Anna Singleton Jackson.

He was a graduate of Manning High School; went to Clemson University on a football scholarship; was a 1955 graduate of Clemson University, where he was an all-ACC football player.

During his senior year at Clemson, he was the team co-captain and most valuable player.

His passion was farming.

Following his young life at his farm, Jackson became a superb athlete.

He began his athletic career at Manning High School under Head Coach Jim Allred in 1947.

He was a three-sport athlete including basketball, football and baseball and was a basketball and football team captain.

Jackson began playing football in the ninth grade when Coach Allred approached his father asking for approval.

His father said he could play if he got all his chores, such as milking the cows, completed.

Football was something he thoroughly enjoyed and he used that as an incentive to complete his tasks.

Following his high school career, Jackson was offered athletic scholarships to the University of Georgia, Auburn University, the University of South Carolina and Clemson College.

He visited the schools and ultimately chose Clemson where he played football under legendary coach Frank Howard.

Jackson credited much of his athletic success on the guidance and teachings of Coach Howard.

During his time at Clemson, Jackson had a stellar career.

He started for Howard’s 1951 team and lettered in 1952, 1953 and 1954 as an end on offense and defense.

During his senior season in 1954, he was voted MVP by his teammates, played in the Blue-Gray All-Star game and was the leading receiver and those accolades earned him All-ACC honors.

Jackson was one of eleven inducted into the inaugural class of the Clarendon County Hall of Fame.

He was inducted for his athletic career in Manning, Clemson University and for being a great man.

“He was a unique person,” Brewer said. “He went at everything full bore. He never said “I”. In the end, I know he’s in a better place. I’ll never forget him.”