Jackie Thomas Stump, 68, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, June, 2, 2016, after a long courageous battle with colon cancer. Born on January 13, 1948, in Russell County, Va., residing in Buchanan County, Va., for most of his life, he was often referred to as the gentle giant. He was the cherished son of Margret Stump and the late Rev. Thomas Roland "T.R." Stump.

A man for the people, Jackie Stump was never considered to be a traditional leader, he was a valiant leader, humble, yet fierce. Jackie was the working people's delegate. Jackie was a former UMWA leader, and a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He served on several boards and commissions, including the Virginia Parole Board, and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Jackie, a Vietnam veteran, served in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971, Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, North Carolina and was stationed in Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.

Jackie is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Stump; daughter, Ahbra Stump, both of Abingdon; and his furry companion, Ruffles. He is also survived by his mother, Margret Stump, Keen Mountain, Va.; sisters, Wanda Sue Justice and husband Danny, Christine Hicks and husband David, all of Keen Mountain and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to all the coal miners, friends and co-workers who worked for and who worked along side Jackie, fighting to protect all workers and their families and who shared the same love and passion for all of Southwest Virginia. Thank you to all the courageous solders currently serving our country and all the courageous veterans whom served our country proudly and honorably. To Wellmont Hospice and all doctors and nurses, thank you for your work to heal and comfort the sick. A special thank you to, mother-in-law, Shirley Harrison, sisters-in-law, Debbie Potter and Rita Harrison, for years of love and special care.

Pallbearers will be Eric Hicks, Shawn Keen, Todd Ward, Austin Justice, Jesse Harrison, Shawn Matney, and Terry Matney.

Honorary pallbearers will be all members of UMWA, current and former members of the Virginia General Assembly, all his special motorcycle buddies, and lifelong friends, Hobart Honaker, Richard Trumka, Cecil Roberts, Lee Potter, Eddie Harrison, Joseph Altizer, Jackie Mullins, Frank McMurray, Clyde Stacy, Johnny Matney, Ken Taylor, Freddie Wallace, Donald Wallace, Steve Wallace, Johnny Wallace and Harold Bays.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at Green Valley Baptist Church in Lebanon, with Rev. Mike Rife, Rev. Shannon Justice, and Rev. Chad Justice officiating. Interment will follow in the Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood with military graveside rites conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864 and UMWA graveside rites conducted by UMWA District 28.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Green Valley Baptist Church.

In the spirit of Jackie's compassionate nature; in lieu of flowers, the family has requested to honor Jackie's two favorite quotes, "For it is not important to be a great man, but it is important to be a good man", so please be compassionate and good to those in need, and "Pay it forward".

Share memories and condolences with Jackie's family at www.owensfuneralservice.com. Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Street, Lebanon, Va., is in charge of arrangements.