Obituary of Ray Louis Jackson Sr.

February 17, 1966 was not just the start of a new year, but a brand new chapter in the household of Gilbert and Esther Jackson after a nine year hiatus.  An adorable full head of hair baby boy named Ray Louis Jackson was born in Bastrop, Louisiana.  He was one of six children, two of whom, his sisters, Bobbie Jean Thomas and Debra Marie White, as well as his father, preceded him in death.

Ray was known to be a talented, caring and knowledgeable person with a funny sense of humor. He was always engaged in various activities, including playing drums in a local gospel youth band, active in his local church, and playing in his high school band.  Those who knew him best are well aware he was an avid jazz enthusiast and left no good joke untold; especially the Southern and Grambling rivalry he and his wife shared with family and friends. Upon graduating Bastrop High School in 1984, Ray attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he graduated in 1990, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  At Southern University, Ray joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and after graduation, he attended Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as an Ensign.

While attending Southern University he met Glenda Adams, whom he often affectionately imparted words to as, “the only woman he’s ever loved,” always with a gentle kiss to her forehead. After joining the Coast Guard, they were united in marriage on June 26, 1993. To this union, three handsome young men were born, Ray Jr., Ramsey and Ryan. To know Ray is to know that he truly loved his boys and his wife.    

Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Ray Jackson served honorably as a Commercial Vessel Inspector and Marine Casualty Investigator in New Orleans, LA. From 1991 to 1994. After five years of military service, he honorably separated as a Lieutenant Junior Grade on 10 July 1994. Following his active-duty service, Ray started his civilian career with International Paper Company as a Manufacturing Facilitator in Mobile, AL from 1994-1997. He continued expanding his career opportunities when he transitioned to General Cable Corporation in Kenly, NC and Plano, TX from 1997 to 2000. Once settled in the Texas area, Ray became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church on June 21, 1998, in Plano, Texas. He continued job growth and experience with other major industries like Texas Instruments Corporation and Bell Helicopter in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His drive for excellence and continued education were key factors that led him to pursue and receive a Master of Business Administration from Amberton University in 2002.

A proud member of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., he was initiated in Sigma Omicron Graduate Chapter, Tyler, TX in 2001, and transitioned his membership to Alpha Iota Iota Chapter in Plano, TX prior to his illness. Moreover, he was a member of John G. Lewis, Lodge #261.

Ray leaves to cherish his wife of nearly 30 years as of June 26, Glenda Jackson, three sons, Ray Jr., Ramsey, Ryan, his siblings, Gilbert Williams (Deborah) of Domino, Texas, Clifton Jackson (Mamie) of Monroe, Louisiana, and Michael Jackson of Bastrop, Louisiana; a host of nieces and nephews; his special daughter (god daughter) Lauren Hawkins and many cousins and friends.

His dedication to God, family, duty, leadership style and natural ability was an inspiration to all.