Colonel (Ret) Ralph E. Jackson FNGS

Ralph E. Jackson, 62, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2026. He was born June 23, 1933, in Crystal Springs, MS, to Matthew and Frances Jackson. He married Betty Valentine in 1956, and they were blessed with two children, Melody and Trisha.

Ralph retired after working 45 years as a computer specialist for the Department of the Army, Washington, DC. He retired from military service after 43 years with the rank of Colonel.

A skilled pianist and music lover, Ralph served as church pianist at Southside Baptist Church, Jackson, for 22 years, and as music director for several years. He later served as pianist and organist in several churches in the Washington, DC, and Jackson areas.

Ralph enjoyed genealogical research for many years. While living in Washington, DC, he served as the treasurer, and then president, of the National Genealogical Society. He was elected fellow and life member in 1995, receiving the award at the National Genealogical Conference in San Diego, CA.

In his retirement years, Ralph enjoyed maintaining his "immaculate" yard and spending time with family. He was also a volunteer fixture at the Clinton library during tax season, preparing returns for many Clinton and Jackson area residents.

Ralph is survived by his daughter and her husband, Trisha and Dave Qualls of Clinton, brother, Frank Jackson of Terry, and brother-in-law, Sam Valentine of Carthage. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, daughter, Melody, sister, Juanita McCleland, and brother, Earle Jackson.

The family is deeply grateful to Helen Opiela (Home Instead) for the compassionate and loving care she provided to Ralph for over 3 years. The family expresses an appreciative thank you to Baptist Hospice (Tamika, Jennifer, Amanda, Linda, Bro. Johnny) for their guidance, care, and support throughout the past year.

A graveside Celebration of Life service will be held in Section 12 at Lakewood Memorial Park, 6000 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund at Morrison Heights Baptist Church, 3000 Hampstead Bld, Clinton, MS 39056 or at https://morrisonheights.org/give/