Virgil Jacobs

Deacon Virgil C. Jacobs of Tampa, FL passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, 12:00 noon, at Mt. Tabor M.B. Church, 2606 Grace Street, Tampa, with Minister Terry Slayton, officiating. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Deacon Jacobs was born in Cushing, OK to John L. Jacobs and Mildred Tucker. He accepted Christ at a young age. He attended Booker T. Washington High School where he played basketball and football. He continued his education at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, TX on academic and football scholarships. He matriculated there two years then was drafted into the United States Army, honorably serving and protecting the United States of America.

Deacon Jacobs moved to Tampa in the 1960’s where he worked as Truck Driver and in Construction. He was then hired by his father at Tampa Shipyard, Inc. as a Laborer and Foreman. Later, he was promoted to Dock Master and retired after 49 years and 6 months of employment.  Deacon Jacobs continued his education at Tampa College receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architectural Drafting and Design.

Later in life he joined in union with his queen and love, Laurine, and they blended their family of six children. Deacon Jacobs was a family man who wholeheartedly provided for them with love and support. Deacon Jacobs reconnected his fellowship with the saints at Mt. Tabor M.B. Church where he faithfully served as President of the Number One Choir for ten years, as a Trustee, and he was ordained a Deacon on January 26, 2010.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Laurine; children, Cynthia Jacobs, Felicia Sykes (Antonia) of Plant City, Mildred Jacobs-Carley, Sherrina Jacobs-Watson (Marcus) of Dallas, TX, Larry Williams (Lisa) of Jacksonville, FL, and Gail Gantt (Herman P. Green); nineteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; a special cousin, Jerry Franklin (Aretha); three sisters-in-law, Anita Warren, Ophelia Saffold and Wilma Warren; a host of nieces, nephews and friends; like a brother, Robert James Wright, Sr.; godson, Rev. Gregory Davis; goddaughter, Belinda Jefferson; the Mt. Tabor M.B. Church family; and Dr. Waldin D. Metzger, his Primary Care Doctor.

Viewing and family visitation will be conducted Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

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