Early Monday morning, Feb 2, 2015, Ret. SFC Ronald Lee Jackson transitioned from labor to reward.

He attended Suffolk Public Schools during his early years, and completed training in the Job Corps in Washington, DC. He joined the United States Army and retired after 23 years of service. He had been employed by Metro Transit in Washington, D.C., and Newport News Shipyard, and he retired from Tidewater Wholesalers in Suffolk.

Ronald was born July 24, 1949. He was the 10^th child to the late Abraham and Celestine Thompson Jackson. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by seven siblings: Billy Earl, Audrey Jackson Williams, Catherine Jackson Mazell, James Edward, Edward Abraham Thompson, Mildred Deloise and Mary Virginia Thompson.

He was known for his “swag” and friendly personality. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and served on the Male Usher Ministry, the 112 Brotherhood Ministry and the Suffolk Booster Club Inc., and he was an avid Washington Redskins fan.

Ronald leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of five years, Inesia Barnes Jackson; faithful children — Donald (Greta) and Deandria of Maryland; Michelle Jackson Robertson (Roy), Rodney, Audrey Jackson Spruill (Michael), and Miracle of Suffolk, Yvonne (Dominik), Ronald, and Charles “C.J.” (Jessica) of Karlsrühe, Germany; stepchildren — Larvelle Jackson (Arne), Denise, Senise, and Henry Barnes; loyal brothers, Melvin (Rachel), Charles (Gloria Jean), Wilbur Holland; sister-niece, Vivian Jackson Bryant of Suffolk; 25 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law and seven brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family, and friends.

Services will be held Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at noon at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street. Interment will take place at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Ronald’s memory to the Youth Ministry of FBC Mahan. Family will receive visitors at 710 Factory St. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.