Robert Bobby Jackson

Robert "Bobby" Jackson was born on September 29, 1933, to John Jackson and Lizzie Jackson as the 12th of 17 children. He attended Angleton Marshall High School through the eighth grade. From an early age, he developed the resilience, work ethic, and determination that would define his life.

He devoted his life to Christ and was a faithful member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Guy Steward. His faith guided his walk, his work, and his service to others.

On March 21, 1954, Bobby united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Catherine Henderson. Their marriage endured 68 blessed years. In their early years together, they lovingly raised Willie "Tommy" Jackson, James Randall, Dwight Jackson, Dorothy Albro, John M. Heine, and Robert Williams, whom they claimed as their own. After twelve years of marriage, they were blessed with three sons: Rodney Henderson Jackson, Rodrick Ramone Jackson, and Ryan Shelton Jackson Sr.

In 1953, Bobby promoted his first rodeo at the Old William Dudley Arena on South Highway 288B outside of Angleton, Texas. With the help of Bill Hobbs, A.C. Barnes, and his family, that first event marked the beginning of a lifelong legacy.

A true pioneer, Robert became the first Black man in Angleton to own a brick home with full utilities - a historic milestone that reflected his perseverance and vision during a time when opportunities were limited.

In the 1960s, Robert and Catherine established the RV Ranch in McBeth, Texas - an arena that has remained for over 70 years a welcoming place where color and ethnicity were never barriers. Together, they became instrumental members of the Southwestern National Cowboys Association (S.N.C.A.), where Robert served several terms as President and Treasurer. The association included arenas throughout Houston and the Gulf Coast region.

Robert was a respected rodeo promoter, stock contractor, entrepreneur, and competitor. Alongside his brothers Walter, Alvaris, Emery, Clarence, and Alexander, he competed as a calf roper, steer roper, pickup man, and standout steer wrestler. He competed competitively until the age of 65, often against men half his age, regularly throwing cattle in under four seconds. He was truly ahead of his time, a generational cowboy.

Beyond the arena, Robert and Catherine

owned and operated a Conoco Service Station, R.V. Feed Store, and a hay production company. They were known for adding some of the largest purses to their rodeos and serving some of the best barbecue and fried fish in South Texas. A true philanthropist, his generosity and charitable giving left a lasting impact on the community.

In 1960, they organized the McBeth Riding and Charity Club. The club joined the Southwestern Trail Riders Association in 1974 as Wagon #1, and remains to date. As Wagon #1, they have earned numerous honors, including #1 Overall Wagon in 1983 and Best of Show Wagon in 1989 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - historic firsts for an African American trail riding organization. In 1998, the City of Angleton issued a Proclamation recognizing their contributions. Robert was also the first Black man in Brazoria County to obtain and maintain a trail riders permit.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Jackson, parents, John Jackson and Lizzie Jackson; twelve siblings; grandson Rufus Haynes; sons Willie "Tommy" Jackson, James Randall, and Dwight Jackson; and godson John M. Heine.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons Rodney Henderson Jackson (Lucile), Rodrick Ramone Jackson (Sonya), and Ryan Shelton Jackson Sr. (Torre); his grandchildren; his great grandchildren and his siblings: Marie Diggs (93), Mayme Harris (90), Emery Jackson (89), and Alex Jackson (82); along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.