May God bless you and your...
May your soul rest in internal peace
Lela Solebo
October 07, 2025 | Mesa, AZ
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Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Ray M. "Magic Man" Jackson
Jan 1, 1950 - Sep 29, 2025
Guest Book
In loving memory of a wonderful person. It was truly an honor to have known You & been in your presence. Rest in Power!
JoAnne Collins
October 06, 2025 | Hammond, IN | Friend
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As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Shanae Britt
October 06, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN | Family
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To Latrice Pearson and family
Sending Prayers for peace and comfort
May his memories fill your heart and give you joy
Mary Donald
October 06, 2025 | Gary, IN | Coworker
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My deepest condolences Mr & Mrs Harold & Carolyn Kennedy
Carolyn Kennedy
October 05, 2025 | Michigan City, IN | Friend
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May GOD embrace and comfort Donna Giles and the family of Ray Jackson. I didn't know him personally but he and one of my sisters, Ordella Eddie were classmates THS 1968. BRF
Louise Eddie-Jenkins
October 04, 2025 | Nashville, TN
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To The Jackson Family: I was saddened to learn of the passing of your BELOVED Ray. I remember Ray when I was attending New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. I would see him at Bible Study. He would sometimes visit and talk with my parents, who attended New Bethel , at their home. Hold dear to the precious memories of Ray, and know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May GOD strengthen you in this most difficult hour. I will be praying for the Jackson Family.
Patricia Thompson
October 04, 2025 | Jackson, MS | Acquaintance
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My deepest and sincere condolences to the Jackson Family and lifelong partner Donna. Remembering Ray as a kind, patient, easygoing, and humble man. Rest in Heaven.
Lenwood Ayers JR
October 04, 2025 | Gary, IN | Friend
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I worked with Ray my first year and a half at US Steel in the Roll Shop. He was like my work Uncle, and I referred to him as such. Ray was one of those people who always had a positive attitude along wisdom and plenty of jokes to go along with it. My condolences to his family and friends. You'll truly be missed, Uncle Ray.
Joseph Scott
October 03, 2025 | Houston, TX | Coworker
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Obituary
Ray M.'s Obituary
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVE SERVICE!
Mr. Ray McKinley Jackson was born January 1, 1950, the eldest child of four, born to the union of the late Mr. Mac Junior and Mrs. Magnolia Jackson in Vandale, Arkansas.
Ray possessed a bright light shining through him at a very young age, he was a very hard worker and a protector. He loved to have fun but also took his role of “Big Brother “very seriously!
He was a natural protector and provider!
In the eyes of his only sister, he was a hero.
Ray located to Gary, Indiana in his early years. He was educated in the Gary School System and was a very proud graduate of Tolleston High School class of 1968 (The Blue Raiders).
Ray professed his belief in Christ at an early age. He lived his life by the principle: Treat people the way you want to be treated. He exemplified this through his stellar work ethic, his willingness to help Anyone and Everyone.
Ray’s light and passion for others was Bright. He loved his family, his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren and his lifelong companion. You never needed to question Ray’s heart or his loyalty.
Ray lit up a room the moment he entered with his tall stature, his distinctive sense of fashion and his delightful sense of humor you knew he was the life of the party.
Ray served honorably in the United State Army for 4 years being station aboard in Germany. Ray was also employed with Scotland Company for over 20 plus years until their closure. He further his career with a 20 plus tenure with US Steel Corporation retiring in 2012 as a master crane man, he left with integrity and pride.
Ray was also a serious walker, he believed in a healthy lifestyle. He walked faithfully daily with his 2 friends he enjoyed great conversations and lots of laughter. Ray was an immaculate housekeeper. He loved good Southern down-home cooking. One of his passions was fishing with his late father and purple hull peas, fried corn and all the trimmings.
Ray was the “Magic Man” to his family, if you needed something Ray was the man! He made it happen. Described by family and friends, he was charismatic, hero, decent, humorous, a gentleman, a friend, provider, comical, caring and loving. Yet he was a NO NONSENSE kind of guy.
Ray lived his life, cemented his legacy and he left a Big Light.
Ray is preceded in death by parents Mac Junior & Magnolia Jackson, brother Tony Jackson, nephews: Robert McGee and Rassan Jackson and good friend Robert Martin.
On Monday September 29, 2025, he exchanged this life for eternal life leaving behind a life well lived.
Cherishing his eternal memory are daughters: Dana DeGayle Jackson of Atlanta Georgia, Latrice (Michael) Pearson of Merrillville, Indiana; grandchildren: Baroque and Bouquet Bochenek of Atlanta Georgia. Richard (Maria) Odeneal of San Diego California, Laticia Howard of Nashville Tennessee; great-granddaughters: Vanessa Odeneal of Virginia Beach Virginia and Gianna Odeneal of San Diego California; sister, Gwen Guillam of Marion Arkansas; brother, Carl Jackson of Gary, Indiana and a lifelong companion, Donna Giles of Gary, Indiana, best friends: Jake Swain and Jimmie Jordan and a host of family and friends.
Ray the “Magic Man “ that made things happen will truly be missed. REST IN PEACE, YOUR LIGHT STILL SHINES.
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