Bobby Ray Jackson was born on September 20, 1947, and went to heaven on April 8, 2018. His parents were Ray and Virginia Bess (Guinn) Jackson of Knox County. Growing up on a farm, he participated in 4-H and FFA livestock shows, earning numerous ribbons and trophies.

Bob left home soon after he graduated from Goree High School. Called to duty during the Vietnam War, he served in the 101st Airborne, showing a devotion to duty he continued to demonstrate throughout his life. Letters home were not filled with complaints, but reminders that his parents change the oil regularly in his Chevy Impala "even if you don't think it needs it."  Bob came home with service medals that included more than one Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, but those awards meant little to him.

Always focused on family and work, he embraced his roots in agriculture and started a family business with his two brothers, Waylan Jackson and David Jackson. He spent 35 years of his 70 here on earth building Jackson Bros Feed & Seed into what it is today. Along the way, the feed store gave him the opportunity to mentor, guide, and lead by example countless employees, customers, and family members.

Bob loved his family and his family loved him.  He is survived by his wife, Gae Farmer Jackson, daughter Amanda Jackson Hatchett, son-in-law Colby Hatchett, and grandson Haden Ray Hatchett, who not only took his middle name, but expanded his life with immeasurable joy. He found his greatest comfort in spending what little free time he had with his family on the farm and ranch, tending to his cattle and wheat fields, and shooting wild hogs from the porch. He taught his daughter how to be strong and work hard. Colby said, "Bob doesn't say much, but when he does you sure better listen." He helped them clean up and build their orchard/vineyard and venue that is now a successful business, Denton Valley Farms. He left orders for them to raise Haden to be respectful, honest, and straight forward through everything that life brings.

Bobby was a beloved brother, a cherished uncle, and a supportive friend to many. His two brothers and two sisters benefited from his hard work and no-nonsense approach to life. Numerous nieces and nephews looked up to him and counted on his wisdom, which was guided by principle and offered with unwavering confidence. His brother-in-law and in-laws will greatly miss having his fellowship and direct point of view on family farming matters. The many employees and customers at Jackson Bros Feed knew him as a man of integrity who led by example.

There will be private services held to honor his life on this earth. No visitation and no large funeral service as this is how he would have wanted it. He was a quiet simple man who did not like the spotlight to be on him. Recently he told his family that a funeral would not be for his benefit, but for them, as it would not matter to him once he was gone from this world.