Ralph Elledredge Jackson, 71, passed away Friday, January 27, 2017, after a brief illness. The visitation will be Monday, January 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama. The funeral will be Tuesday, January 31, at12 p.m. in Elkins Funeral Home Chapel, Florence, Alabama. Burial will follow at First Baptist Church, Killen, Alabama. Dr. Tom Phillips will be officiating.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Dovie Jackson; his parents, Floyd and Easter Jackson; and, brother, Raymond Jackson; brothers-in-law, Nelson Starkey and Steve Carroll.
Survivors include his daughter, Kim Jackson; son, Jason Jackson and wife, Kelley; granddaughter, Landrey Kyle “Chi Chi” Jackson; brothers, Robert Jackson (Suzanne), Elvin Jackson (Doris), Billy Jackson (Gail); sisters, Anne Starkey, Tanna Bailes (Earl), Shelaine Dunn (Toby), Christy Carroll, Bobbie Sherrill (Matthew).
Ralph was a member and former deacon at First Baptist Church, Killen, Alabama. He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War as an air policeman in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Athens State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Science and was a graduate of the FBINational Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He furthered his education and specialized training in fire protective services and as a licensed emergency medical technician. He was retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority after 35 years of service, serving as Chief of Security at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant for the majority of his tenure.
Though very educated and skilled for his career in law enforcement, his priority in life was always his family. He married the love of his life, Dovie, after his return from Vietnam, adored his two children and enjoyed coaching softball, baseball and basketball – any activity involving his children. His young granddaughter was “a blessing from heaven.”
Pallbearers include Charles Bailes, James Brazell, Johnnie Hall, Josue Hernandez, Freddie Moore and Billy Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Jackson and Elvin Jackson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Richards, the ICU staff at Helen KellerHospital and the employees and friends at the Shoals VA Clinic in Sheffield, Alabama.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.
