Williams Baptist University has lost a dedicated alumnus, trustee and dear friend with the passing of Raymond Jackson. Ray, age 72 of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away Monday after a short illness.
Ray graduated from Williams in 1964. He was a current member of WBU’s Board of Trustees who had served for many years on the board. He took an active interest in the college, offering wise counsel and encouragement, as well as consistent support.
“A staunch advocate for our college’s mission, Ray championed the importance of strong academics and the support of students who had scholarly promise. A man with endless energy, he was not only a tireless professional but invested himself personally in the lives of our students and with those of us who had the privilege of knowing him as a friend. He will be greatly missed,” said Dr. Tom Jones, WBU’s president.
“Ray Jackson has been a great trustee, and he has also been a great friend to those of us who were privileged to serve with him. We will miss his wisdom, his energy and his generosity, but most of all we will miss our friend. Our most sincere prayers are with his family,” said J.R. Cox, chair of the WBU Board of Trustees.
“Ray has been a dear friend to WBU for as long as I can remember. He always offered words of wisdom and prayed with gentle love. Ray loved God with all his heart, so though I am sad, I’m celebrating for Ray and praying for his family,” said Carol Belford-Lewallen, a longtime board member.
Ray served as pastor at Morrison Chapel Baptist Church in North Little Rock for over 35 years, and at the time of his passing was a member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.
He will be missed by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Judy Ann Jackson of Jacksonville; his daughter Kimberly Chidester of Cabot, Ark.; his grandchildren Kyle Jackson and Natalie Grace Chidester, both of Cabot, his brother Robert Jackson and nephew Keith Jackson.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 401 North First St., Jacksonville, Ark.
The funeral service will be Friday, September 15 at 10:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, with entombment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in the Chapel Oaks Mausoleum in Jacksonville.
Services are under the care and direction of A Natural State Funeral Service.