Merle Ray Jackson

Obituary for Merle Ray Jackson

 Merle Ray Jackson, 78, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on December 26, 2024. He was born on July 19, 1946, in Central City, Kentucky, to Hershel and Pauline Siegers Jackson.

Ray made his home in Dayton for the past 28 years, after relocating from the Dallas area. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a disabled veteran, showing his dedication to his country.

  He was an active and dedicated member of the Masonic fraternity for 25 plus years, currently belonging to the Masonic Lodge in Batson and Anahuac, and formerly a member of the Liberty and Dayton chapters of the Order of The Eastern Star. Over the years, he held numerous positions within the Masons, including serving twice as the Master of the Batson Lodge. The Order of The Eastern Star honored Ray three times as a Worthy Patron of the Liberty-Dayton Chapter and once for the Cedar Bayou Chapter. He was recently awarded and recognized for receiving his 25-year pin with the Masons which he was very proud of.

 Ray retired from the Harris County Toll Road Authority and enjoyed his time fishing and hunting, particularly in his retirement years. He also had a love for gambling, and Las Vegas was a favorite destination of his. A passionate sports fan, Ray was a huge supporter of the Houston Astros and held season tickets.

 Above all, Ray’s greatest love was his family. He cherished the time he spent with them, particularly with his beloved wife of 28 years, Donnalee, who was not only his wife but also his soulmate and best friend.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Pauline Siegers Jackson, and his siblings, Bonnie Ogle, Freda Gould, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Jackson, and Ricky Jackson. He is survived by his loving wife, Donnalee Jackson; children, Cindy Beth Myrick, Malcolm Jackson and wife Sabrina, and Melissa Jackson; brothers, J.D. Jackson and wife Gayle, Benny Jackson and wife Hazel; grandchildren, Michael Figart III, Kristopher Rogers and wife Christa, Joshua Myrick and wife Heather, Kenneth Holst, Kady Myrick, and Carissa Lueck; great-grandchildren, Jimmy, Kyle, and Asher Rogers, and Carl Myrick.

 A visitation for Ray will be held at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place following the service at 1:45 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

Pallbearers will include Joe Fregia, Kristopher Rogers, Joshua Myrick, Dan Wentworth, Joe Melton, Kenneth Wethington, Ron Finberg, and Malcolm Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are J.D. Jackson, Benny Jackson, Danny Ogle, Stevie Ogle, Jayme Ogle, and Tim Ogle. Minister Gary Jenkins will lead the services.

 Ray will be remembered for his love of life, his family, and his contributions to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.