William Ralph Jackson
8/2/1917 - 8/28/2012
TOGETHER FOREVER
William Ralph Jackson Sr.
August 2, 1917-August 28, 2012
Madelyn Estes Jackson
January 22, 1925-January 22, 2008
"And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" Psalm 23
Now continues the 64 year old love story of Madelyn and Ralph Jackson.
With the courage and dignity that characterized his life of 95 years, William Ralph Jackson entered into God's presence and returned to the side of his wife, Madelyn on August 28, 2012. While we deeply grieve the loss of our parents earthly inhabitance, we greatly rejoice that they are together again in heaven. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Madelyn and his beautiful daughter Patty. Ralph was a devout Christian. His early Christian life was spent at Jones Creek Baptist Church. Then later on became a member of the Freeport First Baptist Church for many years. During his 30 years in Austin, he was a member of Bannockburn Baptist Church. He was also a proud member of "The Greatest Generation".
Mr. Jackson was born in Fulton, Kentucky on August 2, 1917 to Wilmus and Mamie Evelyn Jackson. After high school Ralph overheard some news about a chemical plant being built in Freeport, Texas. He went down there looking for work and was taken in by the sweetest family in town, Ben and Lou Estes. That is where he met the love of his life, their daughter, Madelyn Estes. Their love and devotion to each other spanned 64 years and greatly enhanced the lives of their three children, Patty, Evelyn and Ralph Jr.
Ralph was a machinist for Dow Chemical for many years. He was also a highly skilled carpenter. He not only built his family three beautiful homes, but also three beach houses, a boat, and a small apartment complex. These construction skills found him on Midway Island on June 4, 1942 when it was bombed by the Japanese. God spared his life because He had great spiritual plans for him. His children's' fondest memories are of their dad "leading the singing" at Jones Creek Baptist Church while their mother played the piano and they sat on the front row "pew".
In 1979 Ralph and Madelyn packed up all their belongings and moved to Washington State. There they bought a burned out house and completely restored it to its original beauty.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wonderful wife Madelyn, his daughter Patty and an infant son. He is survived by his son Ralph Jackson Jr. and his wife Patty, his daughter Evelyn Gibbs, her husband Bob, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his wife's sister and brother-in-law Mavis and John Penney, whose faithfulness, love and devotion to our family spans a life time.
A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at Lakewood Funeral Chapel, 98 N. Dixie Drive, Lake Jackson, Texas (77566) on September 5, 2012. There will be a viewing at 10:00am with a celebration of life service at 12 noon. Pallbearers will be his 6 grandchildren, Michael Harper, Jayson Ricca, Daniel Gibbs, Travis Gibbs, Blake Jackson, and Kori Brown.
Daddy and Mom, we will miss you. We love you dearly and thank you so much for giving us the greatest gift of all, leading us to the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We look forward to "when we all get to heaven, what a glorious day that will be". Evelyn and Ralph Jr.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Freeport First Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Many thanks to the New Century Hospice "angels" Nancy, Gia, Sarah, Connie, whose loving care of all of us will never be forgotten.
"This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Obituary Provided By:
www.lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
info@lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
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