Ron Jackson

Ronnie Louis Jackson, Sr., a Gulf War Veteran, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52 in St. Petersburg, FL due to natural causes. Ron was born in Baltimore, Maryland on 11/01/1968. He is survived by his loving wife, Tiffany D. Jackson, two stepdaughters Alanna (24) and Akira (22), two furbabies – their dogs Daisy and Lily, and many In-laws/family members through their marriage who are numerous but not forgotten. He hit it off with them the first time they met, and he became a son to Tiffany’s parents and a brother to her sister, Cathie. They all loved and thought the world of him.

He is also survived by his amazing family, including but not limited to his mother Easter Mae Brown, sisters G. Delphine and Cynthia Jackson, and his brother Thomas Brown. His brother Tyrelle Brown preceded him in death. His stepfather George Brown, Sr. preceded him in death. He is also survived by his children and grandchildren. Michelle Marie Jackson, 30, from his union with Jennifer Jackson, his grandsons Samuelle, 10, and Giovanni, 9, and his son Ronnie Louis Jackson, Jr., 18, from his union with Kathleen Demby Jackson. Additional family members include his nieces Tiarece “Nicole” Robinson and Jasmine Rose, his cousin (who was like a brother) Bubber Johnson, Jr., Stepsiblings George, Terry, Richard, & Emmanuel Brown, and Johanna Curry. There are many loved and cherished family and extended family members that were loved by Ron very much and are not left out intentionally but only by the sheer number of the amazing family he loved dearly.

An Army Veteran of the Gulf War, Ron served his country proudly and with honor. He earned the following decorations during his service: National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge Grenade, Marksman Badge Rifle, and Army Lapel Button. His truck driving career spanned over 30 years including his military assignment as an essential transport operator. During his career, he has been an owner-operator, over the road long hauler, double and triple trailer certified, petroleum tanker/fuel hauler with Hazmat and Government clearances. Many times, while on the road, he connected with other truck drivers. They all looked out for each other, like a family on the road. He really enjoyed working with and appreciated his co-workers, who have described him as a really good guy with a great sense of humor.

Ron was a hard worker, very dependable, and would help in any way he could when needed. He was able to defuse confrontational people that he met in his line of work and could turn a stranger into a friend in minutes. Ronnie was a true angel. He wouldn’t hesitate to stop to help someone in need, such as the myriad of elderly women who often asked him to take a moment from his job and help them with a tire or a question about their car.

Ron’s mother, Easter, raised him in the church. She raised an amazing, kind, and generous man. She (and God) gifted Ronnie to the world. He was the type of man to hold the door for you, opened the car door for his wife to his last day, and always had a kind word (even when he was having a tough day). Though he was deeply private and did not express his deepest feelings often, he didn’t need to because he showed them in his every action. He left us way too soon! God must have needed another angel. He was deeply spiritual and lived a life of service and kindness that is inspirational.

His love for his children was deep. His career, early passing, distance, and other obstacles may have reduced the time he was able to spend with them, however, his love for them and his grandsons was undying. They all undoubtedly now have a loving angel with them whenever they are in need. If he had a parting message it would likely be to be present in the moment and spend time with your loved ones today, tomorrow isn’t promised. In his memory, we can continue his legacy by being kind and treating people well (even when they may not deserve it).

You could find Ron with a fishing pole in his hand on his time off. He also enjoyed hunting. He sweetly agreed to go on spur of the moment adventures with his wife. Their fondest memories are found in the beautiful Gulf sunset while enjoying light conversation and a cocktail. Sunrises over the Pass-A-Grille inlet were also captivating and were beautiful to watch from the beachy breakfast spot where we enjoyed eating. To sum up Ron’s life is difficult because it was so full. He was a modest man who served others graciously. No words can express how much he is missed and will be missed. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

The memorial service will be held at the VA Bay Pines Veterans Cemetery on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 11 AM (attendees must arrive between 10:30 am to 10:45 am NO Exceptions per the VA). Please use the 95th Street Entrance across from Wawa (NOT the main entrance). A Celebration of Life will be held at VFW Post #39 at 2599 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 on Sunday, November 7, 2021 between 2 PM and 4 PM.

If you’d like to make a donation in Ron’s memory, please do so to the Bob Woodruff Foundation for Veterans https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/  or to any reputable Veteran’s charity of your choice. Thank you and may God lift any troubles you may have so you can enjoy today.

***IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PICTURE TO SHARE PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO PINELLASCAM@GMAIL.COM and I will be sure to post them. Please add any captions you'd like to see in the email. This is a place for all of you to participate in Ron's memory. Everyone is welcome to share, it helps us all share in another part of his life, and to come together in his memory!***