Ray Jackson Sr.

Ray Edward Jackson Sr., 81, of Utica passed Thursday, July 7th, 2022, at his home. All his health issues were healed when he went home to be with our Heavenly Father. He fought a good fight and was called the "Energizer Bunny" because he would always pull through each health crisis. Mr. Jackson was born in Hancock County, the son of the late Clarence and Helen Crowe Jackson, He enlisted in the Army after completing high school in 1958 served three tours in Vietnam, and retired in 1980 earning rank of First Sargent after serving 22 years. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal and two Army Commendation Medals along with several overseas medals and ribbons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Vonda Jackson; his second wife Sandra Sue Jackson; and grandchild, Rebecca Ann Jackson; three brothers, Tony, Roger, and Jerry Jackson and a sister, Jeanette Bailess.

Surviving are his wife, Martha Jackson; sons, Ray Edward (Sharon) Jackson, Jr, Daniel B. Jackson, and Clifford D. (Jamie) Jackson; and step children, Steven (Tammy Jean) Hamilton, Edwin L. (Kim) Smith, Tammy Collier, Viva Dawn Smith, Brenda (Berry) Girvin, and Cindy Cavanaugh. He was a Loving Pawpa to several grandchildren and great grand children including Kane Alexander York, whom he adored. And he was also survived by sisters, Rebecca (Clifton) Gardner, Kathy (Houston) Momo Marler, and Sonia (Steve) Carlisle, and his caregiver, Todd.

The funeral service will be 2pm Wednesday, July 13th, 2022, in the Chapel of Rosehill Cemetery, with military honors. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen's Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation.