Raymond Jackson

Raymond Edward Jackson, 81, of Lutz, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013, at St Joseph's North Hospital in Lutz, FL. Ray was born Aug. 23, 1931 in Lawton, OK, to John R. and Elva Lou (Portwood) Jackson. He spent his early years in San Antonio, TX, before the family moved back to Altus, Oklahoma, where he attended Washington Elementary, Central Junior High. He graduated from Altus High School in 1950. After graduation, Ray enlisted into the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War, stationed in Maine and in Great Britain. Upon his return home, he attended Cameron College in Lawton. Ray earned the following Masonic Degrees through Altus Masonic Lodge #62: Entered Apprentice Degree (08/03/1953), Fellow Craft Degree (12/03/1953) and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason (01/07/1954). He wed Anna Gale (Williams) Polk in 1956 and moved to Headrick where they established their family. From 1959-1987, he served in several Masonic Lodge Officer positions with Headrick Lodge #311. He was a long time farmer and rancher in Jackson County, raising wheat and pasturing Angus and Hereford cattle. He served as an Oklahoma Wheat Commission delegate to Washington, D.C. Throughout his successful farming career, Ray was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was always there to provide guidance, encouragement, and boundless love. In 1999, Ray married Nell (Phillips) Navarra where they made Lutz their home. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Nell; his two daughters, Angela Benson of Monument, CO, and Diane Jackson of Lafayette,LA; two grandsons, Justin Aufderhar and Kyle Aufderhar, both of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Gale; his parents, and sister, Mary Jackson. The family will receive friends Friday 4/26/13 from 10:30-11AM at the Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel followed by a memorial service at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at American Lung Association at 8950 Dr. Martin Luther King St. North, St. Petersburg, Floirda, 33702.