Luther Ray Jackson was born on May 21, 1940, in Chatham Rural, Louisiana, the son of the late Sophenie Scott and Moses Jackson. After graduating from Jasper Henderson High School, he relocated to California with assistance from his mother, as she provided him with a bus ticket. He initially resided with his Aunt Nola joining his elder siblings, Hosie Jackson and Costello (Jackson) Clark, who had previously settled in the area with their Aunt Alphia to establish their careers. It was in California that he met Joy (Bankhead) Jackson; the couple married on April 29, 1961, just 52 days after first meeting, with Hosie Jackson (Ray's older brother) and Gwendolyn Bankhead (Joy's younger sister) as their witnesses. A man of deep and evolving faith, (Luther) Ray was first baptized at Asbury Baptist Church and later reaffirmed his commitment to Christ at the Compton Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. He and Joy were blessed with six children: Monty, Matthan, Marla, Maury, Monica, and Micole. After serving with the County of Los Angeles, Ray relocated his family to the Antelope Valley. Driven by a desire to provide for his large family and share his spiritual convictions, he became a dedicated entrepreneur, building his business, Ray Jax's Services, and a lay Christian preacher who founded the radio broadcast program "Wait Not Too Late" on KKZZ in Los Angeles. Throughout his journey, his unwavering devotion to his family and his steadfast faith served as the guiding lights of his life. For over four decades, Ray's demolition contracting enterprise served the Antelope Valley with distinction. A man of integrity, he provided gainful employment to many and cultivated enduring professional relationships throughout the building and demolition industry. His work was a testament to his faith; he meticulously observed the Sabbath, concluding his labors each Friday at sunset and resuming only after the sun had set on Saturday evening. Through this unwavering commitment, he modeled a life of steadfast dedication and professional consistency. Ray is preceded in death by his twin grandsons, Michael and Micah Dyson. His legacy of love and faith is carried on by his devoted wife of 65 years, Joy Jackson, whom he wed on April 29, 1961. His memory will be forever cherished by his children: Monty (Patti) Jackson, Matthan Jackson, Marla Jackson, Maury (Marlene) Jackson, Monica (Ryan Sr.) Bento, and Micole (P. Rodney) Dyson. He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren: Christian, Cetera, Michael Julian, Moses, Candace, Seth, Joshua, Ryan Jr., Faith, Da Shiekah, Lil Rodney, Brian, Alexis, Kierra, Malachi, and Caleb; as well as his beloved great- grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers, Hosie Jackson and Fred (Irene) Jackson, and his sisters, Costello (Hal) Clark, Claretha Scott, Stella Jones, and Gwendolyn Hampton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, his dear church family, and many friends.
