Rocky Mount -

R.L. Jackson, age 85, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday evening, October 2, 2025. His journey began in Eulonia, Georgia on September 19, 1940, the first born of eleven children to Raymond Lacy Jackson, Sr. and Kathleen Wester Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Jackson Briley; brothers, Charles Wayne Jackson, Michael Glenn Jackson and Richard Lewis Jackson and nephew, Joshua Jackson Rogers.

R.L. served honorably in the United States Navy for four years. Following his military service, he had a fulfilling career that spanned over thirty-three years at Carolina Telephone Company, where he served as a district manager in the engineering department. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Pat. Beyond his professional achievements, R.L. was a dedicated Christian and a long-time member of Parkwood Baptist Church. His commitment to the church was evident through his active participation in various capacities, including the van ministry, where he took pride in maintaining the church's vehicles. He especially enjoyed the many trips he took as the bus driver for the senior group.

During his retirement, R.L. found joy in golfing, especially with his daughter, Ramona and close friends. Beyond the golf course, freshwater fishing while captaining his boat was another treasured hobby. When he wasn't on the course or on his boat, he could be found cheering for his beloved NC State Wolfpack. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and church member, R.L.'s kindness and willingness to help others will be deeply missed.

He leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for his wife of forty years, Pat Jackson; daughters, Ramona Jackson (Teresa) of Wilmington and Lisa Jackson (Shari) of San Francisco, CA; step-son, Brandon Powell (Tess) of Rocky Mount; siblings, Janie Robbins (Donnie) of Tarboro, Sarah House (Doug) of Statesville, Susan Rogers (Walter) of Rocky Mount, Amanda Goines (Bruce) of Southport, Doris Holmes of Monroe, GA and William Thomas Jackson (Phyllis) of Forsyth, IL. R.L. will also be dearly missed by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and his Parkwood Baptist Church family.

R.L. was a proud "Papa" to his grandchildren, Emma Bethel of Somerville, MA, Aidan Powell (McKenna) of Raleigh, Carly Perez (Miguel) of Rocky Mount and Owen Powell, also of Rocky Mount.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charities close to R.L.'s heart, the Van Ministry at Parkwood Baptist Church or the Your Choice Resource Center , 400 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or by clicking HERE .