Rodney Ray "Pappy" Jackson

Rodney Ray “Pappy” Jackson, age 71, went to be with the Lord on July 27, 2023 after a 20-year long battle with cancer.  A memorial service honoring the life of Rodney “Pappy” Jackson is scheduled 11 AM on August 12, 2023 at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall (104 W. Colorado Sky, Ellinger, Texas 78938).

Rodney was born on January 31, 1952 to Frank and Addie Mae (Lloyd) Jackson in Laredo, Texas.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1970 through 1972.  He married his wife of 44 years, Sammie (Smith) Jackson in San Diego, Texas on September 22, 1978.  After serving in the Vietnam War, he started a career in the oil field until the mid-1980’s and later moved to Ellinger and finished his 17-year long career working for the Barton family in Columbus, Texas.  Rodney was passionate about his religion and eventually became a Deacon as well as an Assistant Pastor at the Gulf Plains Cowboy Church in Kingsville, Texas. He held various positions in the ministry and was an active member of the Gathering in Faith Church in Columbus. Rodney was also an active member of the VVA Chapter 1127 of Columbus. 

Rodney loved the outdoors.  When he wasn’t photographing nature and animals, he was hunting or fishing.  He especially loved fishing with his “fishing buddy”, Justin and he never used just one rod.  He usually took six or more fishing rods and hoped that anyone joining could fit in the car.  Rodney also loved to cook and was lovingly known by his family as the “Untrained Chef”.  He prepared full course meals and never used a recipe.  He loved baseball and football, mostly following the Houston Astros, Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs.  Rodney wrote poetry and had a special spot at church called “Pappy’s Cowboy Corner”.

Rodney had two dogs, Roxy and Sugarbear, that never left his side.  Yaco, his African Gray parrot, was trained to talk and even to sing the Marine Corp Hymn.  Rodney and Sammie enjoyed traveling together and they loved to dance.  If “Party Time” by T.G. Sheppard (their song) came on the radio, he would pull over just to dance with his wife.  “Pappy” especially loved children.  They meant the world to him including his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and church children.   If they needed advice or help with anything, he was the one they went to.  Rodney was always joking and having a good time and he will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Sammie; son James (Danielle) Jackson of Georgia and their children, Austin, Dalton, Stetson Bo, Jessi and Jayson; son JB (Alicia) Cravens of Ellinger and their children, Thomas and Christian; son Travis Cravens of Texas and his children, Alashia (Nicholas) Burks; son David (Angela) Reakes of Georgia and their children, Caytlynne and Amber; great grandchildren Leslie, Ximena, Greyson, Colt, Averly, Madilyn, Everly and Marlowe; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents; one sister Becky Perkins and one brother, Ronnie Jay Jackson.

The family would like to thank Hospice Brazos Valley and Regency Home Health for their wonderful job, Ramps of Texas for the ramps, and Dr. David Neisner from the Columbus Medical Clinic for all of his care.  

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Brazos Vally, Ramps of Texas, or to the VVA Chapter 1127.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange, Texas. Share your thoughts and fond memories online at www.fayettememorialfuneralhome.com