Ronnie V. Jackson

Ronnie V. Jackson, age 65 of 101 Woodcrest Drive, Chapel Hill, NC passed on March 3, 2018 at his residence.

On April 6, 1952, Ronnie Vernon Jackson (Ron) was born in Waycross Georgia to Curtis Jackson, Sr. and Eunice Louise Jackson (Motherdear). Ron moved from Richmond, Virginia to the home of his brother, Curtis Jackson, Jr. in Chapel Hill, North Carolina last fall for medical care. Ron exchanged time for eternity and went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, March 3, 2018.

As a young boy, Ron started first grade early at the age of five. Because he was so young, he attended his first year of school at Telmore Consolidated School in Telmore, Georgia, driven there every morning by a family friend, Annie Graham. At six, he started second grade at Bailey Street Elementary School in Waycross, Georgia. As a child, he was baptized in the family church, Macedonia Baptist Church. Ron grew up a precious and adventurous child who loved outdoor activities with his brothers. Whether he was going to school or playing outside you could always catch Ron running. Although prohibited from running track by his protective mother, Ron shined as one of the fastest runners in school and had the childhood nickname "Squirrel." Ron also loved to draw, read, and write.

Ron graduated in the class of 1969 from Center High School, the last class from that school. He went on to pursue his education at Albany State College, (which later became Albany State University) where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Ron’s son, Jason Moultrie, would later graduate from the same school. Throughout his years in college, Ron enjoyed playing the clarinet in his college band, shooting pool, and disc jockeying parties on campus. Ron became a popular DJ during his college years and had his own radio show earning him the name "Squirrel the Pearl" and later was known in the Chapel Hill community as "Ron Jackson Baby." In 1980, Ron obtained his Master’s degree from Hampton University. Years later, he met his future wife, Landanese and often described how he felt electricity shoot through his arm when he shook her hand for the first time. God brought Ron and Landanese together in holy matrimony on December 26, 1987 at their home church, Richmond Christian Center. After eight years of standing in faith for a child in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, they conceived Ron’s youngest child, Ayana Faith Jackson. Ron documented the couple’s faith journey in a book he was writing entitled, Why Can’t I Have a Baby? Ron initially worked as a speech pathologist, but was well-known in the community as an entrepreneur and was famous for his pies, especially his pecan pie! He named his pie business “Joi’s Gourmet Pies and Tarts” after his eldest daughter. Ron also collaborated with Craig Shields to produce a free inspirational CD entitled “Come Praise the Lord with Me.” A voracious learner, Ron had begun to speak Spanish, travel, listen to many genres of music, and write poetry. Ultimately, he published the poem, “I’m Sorry Dr. King.” Ron was always a fireball of inspiration, aspiration, and perspiration. In 2014, he became president of his 1969 high school alumni class and took the fundraising and activities of the class to an unprecedented level. He instituted monthly phone conferences and quarterly gatherings such as fish fries and cookouts. Under his leadership, the Class of 1969 made financial contributions to Center Elementary School and to the Center High Museum for the first time. While Ron was president, the class made investments that when they mature will promote and better the entire class. Ron expanded the vision of his classmates, compelling them to reach beyond mere class reunions and focus on improving the medical, mental, and financial health of the class and bettering the well-being and livelihood of his class members and the Waycross, Georgia community as a whole. His classmates were in awe of his vision and his selfless commitment and dedication to uniting his class and, in response, class members have vowed to continue to implement Ron’s vision in his honor. In 2010, Ron birthed his phone ministry "Love Focused Ministry" in which dozens of people from around the country tuned in every week. Ron transitioned his phone ministry online and on October 25, 2016, he launched “Tea & The Word” with his seminal message, “The Purpose, The Constitution, and The Authority.” People from around the world watched and were touched by his weekly program. Ron was a man who valued faith, family, and friends. He was the glue that brought his family together. In 1991, Ron organized the first family reunion of its kind which united family from across the country, some of whom had never met each other. In 2006, he did it again and orchestrated the only other family reunion on his mother’s side of the family. Ron loved meeting and connecting people. He was a natural networker and knew people from all over the globe. In his own words, Ron described his philosophy as follows: “I believe that all people were put on planet earth to make earth look just like heaven. The key to the survival of man is to find a way to enhance people. My goal is to show at least one million people how to have heaven on earth. I believe that we all are responsible for the words that come out of our mouths because words are things. Words can destroy or create. Words can hurt or heal. Actually, the process of life is quite simple. We find out our purpose, pursue it with skill and passion, and remain willing to have God lead our life as we work to become the best at our craft daily. The world is always waiting and looking for the best to show up. If we become the best, the world will be looking for us.” Ron always presented his best self. While receiving care, Ron valued everyone, remembering the names of all the assistants, nurses, and doctors that worked with him, witnessing to each and every one. Ron spoke life, hope, and faith to all those around him. Ron gave this world his best self and Heaven was waiting for him. And as he would say, “I love you. God loves you. And true love is unconditional.”

Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate of 24 years, Landanese Pendleton Jackson and his parents Curtis Jackson, Sr. and Eunice Louise Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memory two amazing sons: Ryan Nicholas Khailer and Jason Moultrie (Londa), two lovely daughters: Joi Alexia Jackson and Ayana Faith Jackson; four grandchildren: Asia Marie Moultrie, Cameron Nasir Moultrie, Dylan Ryan Khailer, and Reid Alexander Khailer; three brothers: Curtis Jackson, Jr. (Ethel Jean), Rudolph Sylvester Jackson (Fran), and Clemist Lamar Jackson (Teresa); ten nieces and nephews: Rhonda Jackson White (Bill-deceased), Lorie Louise Rainey (Jesse), Dasha Michelle Jackson, Ayo Janeen Jackson, Nichole Richelle Jackson, Aaron Lamar Jackson (nephew and godchild), Cara Teresa Jackson, Maya Virginia Pendleton, Marcus Eugene Pendleton, and Adam Christopher Pendleton; nine great-nieces and nephews: Miracle Jean King, William Charles White, III (great-nephew and godchild), Majesty Elise White, Jesse Lee Rainey, III, Caleb Ashley Rainey, Autumn Christian Rainey, Elias Jackson Rainey, Riley Grace Pendleton, and Lewis Hayes Pendleton; and three great, great nieces and nephews: Edwin Burnell King, Jr. (EJ), Eden Melody King, and Raina Xolani Muldrow. Ron also leaves behind a host of other family, friends, and loved ones, including, but not limited to: Brenda Womble, Robert Whitted, Cathy Oliver, and Karen Kandah.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Chapel Hill