Richard Eugene “Gene” Jackson, age 81 passed away on August 10, 2022. He was born on February 25, 1941, in Helena, Arkansas. He was a long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama and following his retirement, spent a lot of time in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his beloved son, Brandon Jackson, daughter-in-law, Stacy Miller-Jackson, granddaughters, Veronica Vichi-Miller (Marcus Goff) and Virginia Vichi-Miller, and sister Jennifer Lynn Taylor.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Howard and Edna Jackson and his brother, Lawrence Ray Jackson and his ex-wife, Brandon’s mother, Margaret Ann “Peggy” Jackson.
Gene received his B.S. from the University of Memphis in June of 1963, his M.A. from Kent State University in August of 1964 and his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in September of 1971 where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He retired from the University of South Alabama after 32 years, where he was a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He wrote over 100 children’s plays and musicals under the name R. Eugene Jackson and several books under the pseudonym Rachell Elaine Jackson. He played the violin and performed with an amateur orchestra in New Orleans and locally in a quartet. Even after his retirement, he remained an avid theatergoer. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and even won a few awards. He was a wonderful father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and delightful sense of humor.
A private family-only memorial will be held for him.
Please send condolences and share memories with his family to [email protected].
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