Larry Jackson, founder of national marketing agency based in Greenville, dies.

Larry Jackson, 76, founder and former CEO of Jackson, a national brand marketing and motorsports marketing agency headquartered in Greenville, died Monday, March 13.

A 55-year veteran of the communication industry, Jackson built an agency that has provided marketing strategy and services to globally recognized brands including Ford, BMW, Michelin, BFGoodrich Tires and even the Harlem Globetrotters, according to a news release. In 2010, Jackson assumed the role of chairman of Jackson, with his son Darrell succeeding as CEO.

"Dad was my mentor as a father and as a marketer," Darrell Jackson said in the release. "For years, I saw him passionately lead brands beyond their potential while also investing in our associates every day. Today, our "north star" is defined by the way Dad lived his life both professionally and personally uncommonly creative, uncommonly collaborative and always living out the golden rule."

The roots of Jackson go back to 1980 in Detroit. It was then that Jackson and business partner Sam Dawson opened Jackson-Dawson Communications, an agency created to help automotive brands with product launches and dealer training, the release stated. They soon added a Los Angeles office, and in 1987 Larry moved south to open an office in Greenville.

Eventually, Jackson divested of his interest in Jackson-Dawson Communications, rebranded the agency to Jackson, expanded the company to include Jackson Motorsports Group and opened a West Coast office in San Diego, the release stated. Today, Jackson is 140 people helping to grow brands with a complete offering of fully integrated brand and motorsports marketing services, the release stated.

Jackson began his marketing career serving as a public information officer in the U.S. Army, according to the release. His responsibilities included directing training films and videos and serving as editor of the post newspaper. He was awarded the Army's Commendation Medal for his services and was awarded an honorable discharge from the Army, the release stated.

From there he joined the Ford Motor Co., where he served as...