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Henson Mortuary |
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Doors to the Past |
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Obituary
RICHARD W. JACKSON
RICHARD W. JACKSON (Rick) 63, of Huntington, West Virginia, ended his four year journey with cancer on the morning of March 16, 2009. He battled it with the same courage and passion that he applied to everything in life. His smile and positive attitude carried him through every process until the end. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore R. and Lillian Mae Jones Jackson. His father died when he was 5 years old in a tragic car accident. He was raised by his mother whom he loved dearly. Her resilience and ability to overcome the obstacles of raising two boys in a time when the only assistance was what you earned by hard work and perseverance. This upheld the love and utmost respect from her two sons until her death at 90 years old. He is survived by his loving wife Monica A. Jackson and four children. Heather Lynn Jackson of Alexandria, Virginia, Richard Matthew Jackson (wife Hope) of Fredricksburg, Virginia, Christopher R. Harris of Huntington, West Virginia and Andrew C. Harris "Andy" (fiancée Morgan Pence) of Huntington. His brother Theodore Ronald Jackson (wife Vicki) of Jacksonville, Florida. He had four grandchildren. Rick had many accomplishments throughout his school years. Among them he received the Eagle Award in Scouting at 13 years old. He graduated from Huntington East in 1964 He was active in many organizations with multiple honors. Among the many interests he persued with great passion was student body Vice-President and Halfback on the Huntington East football team. Which he loved. He graduated from Marshall University in 1968. He was active in student government and other organizations. One he remembered with great fondness and humor was being one of the first Marcos at Marshall. Upon graduation, he taught Middle School in Bakersfield, CA from 1968 to 1972. He was with All-State Insurance Company as an Agent for 35 years. He won the Honor Ring six times, Conference of Champions and out of 10,000 people he was chosen as 1 of 10 for The Healthy American Fitness Leader Award in 1987. His love for running began in 1976 when he formed The Huntington Track Club, which is now The Road runners Club of Huntington. For many years he conducted Sunday Fun Runs at Ritter Park. Where everybody was a winner. He ran many races and marathons from 5K to 50 miles. His last contribution for running before his illness was to help set up traffic control for the Marshall University Marathon. In 1998, he helped organize The Thundertones, a men’s Barbershop Chorus. It enhanced his life even more by the joy and many friends made through singing Barbershop style. Every year in each group the Barbershopper of the Year is awarded. The Thundertones honored Rick by naming their award "The Rick Jackson Barbershopper of the Year Award. He was thrilled. As Rick said many times, "There is nothing like Barbershopping!" Our family thanks the many people near and far that supported us with kindness and prayers during this journey. His clients who prayed with him and for him from the onset of his illness. Steele Memorial United Methodist Church especially. The Singles and More Sunday school class. A special thank you to Cheryl Adkins and InfoCusion for their generosity of time and support which never ceased to amaze us. Others are Dr. Kimmey and staff, Dr. Robards and staff, Dr. Blobe and staff, Dr. Harrison and staff. Christi Davis for her kindness and much needed guidance and Lois Norris for her wonderful care in the final days. Special bequest will be welcomed to the American Cancer Society, Steele Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Programs and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 346, Barboursville, West Virginia, 25504. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm, Thursday at Steele Memorial United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at 2pm at Steele Memorial United Methodist Church in Barboursville, West Virginia. The Rev.Dr. John Sauvage will be officiating. I was blessed having Rick in my life for over 20 years. Though we are sad, the wonderful memories and his smile live on into eternity. HENSON MORTUARY, BARBOURSVILLE is handling arrangements for the family.
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