Ronald Gene Jackson

Born on September 28, 1940, Ron lived a full life defined by compassion, service and redemption. After his humble beginnings paired with a harrowing early childhood, he found himself in the care of Valley Boys Ranch in Harlingen, Texas when he was just 10 years old. In the years that followed, the ranch’s new superintendent became the man who would forever change the course of his life, Donald Wayne Jackson. He and his wife Emily became the sanctuary of care, structure and unwavering guidance that Ron’s young heart had yearned for. Their unconditional love would shape the wonderful man he became and guide the rest of his life: one dedicated to benefiting the lives of forsaken young people.

Ron was a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government, followed by both a Master’s of Social Work and a Master’s of Business Administration. After serving as a First Lieutenant with the U.S. Army Reserve, Ron took a position as a Recreational Director for the West Texas Children’s Home in Pyote, Texas. He later became the first superintendent of the Brownwood State Home and School for Girls. By 1973, at just 32 years old, he was appointed Executive Director of the Texas Youth Commission, making him the youngest executive director of any Texas state agency at the time. Under federal court order, rocked by scandal, and struggling to regain public trust, TYC was at a breaking point. Ron stepped into the storm with a steady hand and a deep belief in what the system could become. He fearlessly led TYC for the next two decades, transforming the state’s juvenile justice system into one centered on rehabilitation, dignity, and second chances. His legacy lives on through countless lives he helped shape and systems he helped rebuild with integrity, compassion and vision.

Ron was nationally recognized for his contributions to juvenile justice, earning the highest honors in his field by receiving the E.R. Cass Award from the American Correctional Association, the Roscoe Pound Award from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, the Donald G. Blackburn Award from the National Association of Juvenile Correctional Agencies, and the Charles I. Wright Distinguished Alumnus Award from UT’s School of Social Work. In 2003, he established the Emily and Don Jackson Endowment for Excellence in Juvenile Justice at UT Austin, in tribute to his adoptive parents and to support the next generation of social workers. In the same year, he was honored by the Texas Legislature when the Brownwood State School was renamed the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex.

Ron’s commitment to justice was matched only by his devotion to family, and maybe UT Football. His greatest pride and most enduring commitment was to his cherished wife of over 60 years, Polly “Missy” Miller Jackson, whom he met during their time at The University of Texas. Their love story was profound, anchored in mutual respect, tenderness, and a kind of emotional honesty rare for their time. He often said that the songs “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Gary Morris and “My Best Friend” by Don Williams were about her, and if you knew them, you knew it was true. In her, he found the kind of trust and consistency that eluded him in childhood. And in him, she found a partner who never stopped admiring her. Long before the world spoke widely of emotional intelligence or taught men to lead with vulnerability and empathy, he already knew how to love a woman well: with his whole heart, and without condition. Their marriage became the blueprint. A living example of true love and partnership, not only for their children and grandchildren, but for everyone who had the privilege of witnessing their bond.

As a deeply passionate and devout father and grandfather, Ron was and always will be the foundation of the family. The source of so much of our strength. He led with conviction and clarity, speaking with purpose and always knowing when his words mattered most. They often did. He taught us how to live with integrity, to care for people with dignity, and to recognize when someone needs help and act. He believed deeply in allegiance to service, in creating and offering opportunities, and in building a world where people felt safe, secure and seen. With this, he raised of family of social workers, advocates, and public servants. He offered us stability, strength, and moral lucidity, and in doing so, gave us the tools to do the same for others. We are forever shaped by his example and are compelled to carry it forward.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Polly “Missy” Miller Jackson; his son Donald “Don” Webb Jackson and his wife Anjanette, and his daughter Ann “Robin” Jackson Ortiz and her husband Edward “Eddie”. His adored grandchildren include: Haley Robinson Sharp, Abbey Herring Sharp, Ronald “Walker” Jackson, Gary “Marshall” Jackson, and Mary “Cora” Cornelia Jackson. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law James “Mike” Michael Miller, along with many extended family members, lifelong friends and colleagues who were touched by his mentorship, friendship, and unwavering presence. Each carries forward his legacy with exceptional pride.

In every season of life, Ron remained a man of discipline, intellect, and quiet devotion to the things he loved. He was a lifelong athlete who found clarity and purpose through doing: running, golfing, skiing, or just sitting silently in a deer blind on early Texas mornings. He was an avid outdoorsman, devoted to thoughtful conversation and lifelong learning. A loyal Longhorn, he followed Texas football with the same precision he brought to everything else, remaining a faithful supporter for decades. The friendships that Ron cultivated throughout his life forged bonds steeped in honesty and loyalty. He gave his friends and family not only memories, but an enduring model of presence and purpose.

Graveside services will be held at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin on January 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the University of Texas Alumni Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Settlement Home for Children, Blanco County Welfare Board or to the Emily and Don Jackson Endowment for Excellence in Juvenile Justice at the University of Texas at Austin https://give.utexas.edu/campaigns/59328/donations/new?designation_id=OGPJACKSONMEMORIAL

These causes reflect the heart of Ron’s lifelong mission: to protect, uplift, and create opportunity for every young life in need of a second chance.