Ronald Orlando Jackson

Ronald Orlando Jackson, known affectionately as “Pa” to his family and Ron to his friends, passed away on May 16th, 2024, at his home in Huntsville, Texas. Born on February 13th, 1936, in Houston, Texas, he was the only child of Thornwell Orlando Jackson and Charlene Rebecca Cain.

In 1953, Ron married the love of his life, Martha Ann Brace. They settled down and Ron attended college at Oklahoma State University for engineering. Then, in 1956, Ron and Ann welcomed their only child, a daughter, Debbie Ann Carter into the world. He was head over heels for his little girl. Ron joined the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He and his family moved to Key West, where Ron’s love for being on the open ocean began as he spent time on a destroyer. He served his country for 8 years, then moved his family back to Texas, where he began a successful 20 year career with GE. He was a devoted and supportive father that could be found anywhere Debbie was, whether it was a softball game down the street or across the country. He never tired of watching their daughter do what she loved, from playing softball while in college at Sam Houston, to coaching softball. Soon, Ron and Ann became avid travelers. They loved traveling in their RV across the country with their RV group that became like family. Then Ron’s life was forever changed. He was blessed with two grandson’s, Daniel and Matthew. Ron could not get enough of these boys. He was their biggest fan, always there to cheer them on at whatever they were doing, whether it was a sporting event, rodeo, or roping. Always up for a ride down the road or across the country, just to watch them do their thing. If you wanted to know where the best spot to eat was, he could tell you. He loved watching his grandson’s ride, and even joined in on the hog hunts, never leaving out a chance to tell them how crazy they were, but enjoying every minute of it. Just when Ron didn’t think life could get any better, he was blessed with an amazing granddaughter-in-law, Ashton Carter, and three amazing great grandchildren, RaeLynn, Brayden, and Laynie. He now had new excuses to travel. He never missed a barrel racing, baseball game, or youth rodeo event. He was always there to cheer them on and watch with love and admiration in his eyes. His family was the cornerstone of his life and he was present for every major milestone and event.

In Ron’s latest years, he met Barabara Brand, his companion, and they soon became inseparable. They enjoyed traveling with the RV group, and taking cruises to the Tropics. They loved spending time together and seeing new places. They went to all their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events, cheering them on and always offering advice in the most loving way. Ron never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He loved spending time with not only his immediate family, but his extended family as well.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Thornwell Orlando Jackson and Charlene Rebecca Cain,and his loving wife of 62 years, Martha Ann Jackson. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with partner, Barbara Brand; his daughter: Debbie Carter and Travis Carter; his two grandchildren: Daniel Carter and partner Caitlyn, and Matthew Carter and wife Ashton; his two special angels: Holly Murry and Samantha Shank; and his great grandchildren: Brayden, Raelynn, and Laynie, as well as many other extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on June 8th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Murski’s Cafe, located at 315 FM 1375 Rd E, New Waverly, TX, where family and friends can share memories and celebrate Ron's life. The graveside service will be held on June 10th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale, located at 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX.

Ronald Orlando Jackson will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. His witt, wisdom, love, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:00pm in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.