| Ruy H. Jackson passed away on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007, at his home on his farm at Hulen, Ky. Mr. Jackson was 91 years old and was born Oct. 10, 1915 in Cannon, Ky. Mr. Jackson's life spanned years when roads were made of dirt, transportation was by foot, mule, wagon or train and information was shared mostly by word of mouth. He studied by the light of the fire and ate what his family raised. He truly experienced a great deal of change in his lifetime. He was a loving husband, father and mentor and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Preceding him in death were his wife of 60 years, Mayta Howard Jackson, parents, Leona Yeager Jackson and George Ernest Jackson of Cannon, Ky.; sisters, Elsie Lynch (Herbert), Nellie Partin, Mattie Trudeau (Louis), and Georgia Jackson (infant); brothers, Guy Douglas Jackson, Jack David Jackson and Charles Jackson (infant). Survivors include his daughters, Margaret (Margo) Jackson-Morse (David) of Hamilton, Alabama, Sarah A. Thompson (Victor) of Burleson, Texas and Marsha J. Foltz (Otis) of Corbin, Ky., and two granddaughters, Jessica A. Thompson Smith (Miles) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Chelsea E. Foltz of Corbin, Ky.; a brother, Rodger A. Jackson of Cannon, Ky., and sisters-in-law, Doris Jackson of Cannon, Ky. and Sarah Howard of Crab Orchard, Ky. Mr. Jackson's life was also enriched by the special care and concern provided to him by Johnny and Barbara Slusher, Cecil E. Hensley, J. Burton Miracle and Nathanial Johnson. He is also survived by numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Jackson was a self-made man. When he was very young, his father died and left him as head of household for his mother and younger siblings. Although he had to leave school for awhile, he managed to care for them during the Great Depression, graduate from Knox Central High School, participate in the Civilian Conservation Corps (Three C's) in Hardinsburg, Ky., and work for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) where he delivered books by horseback to the Cannon community in a program known as the Horseback Library. He pursued several other jobs in Louisville and Baltimore before marrying his wife of 60 years, Mayta Howard. Ruy married Mayta on Aug. 12, 1942, at which time she joined him Baltimore. Ruy's Navy career began shortly thereafter and took him to Jacksonville, Fla. and Norfolk, Va. He worked as an aircraft electrician before being honorably discharged. After his stint in the Navy, he used his electrical knowledge in the mining industry. This did not last long, because his history of service and caring for others led him to decide that his heart was in education. After working two jobs and studying with a baby in each arm, Mr. Jackson graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. He became head teacher at Blackmont Elementary School, a rural school with no bathrooms, few supplies and many students. He mentored, guided, fed and taught these students with great love and compassion. In 1952, Blackmont Elementary Schools was one of the first schools to be consolidated in Bell County. The new school had a cafeteria, bathrooms and a principal ... Ruy H. Jackson. Mr. Jackson was its biggest asset. He often came into the classrooms to address the classes and encourage them to do their best academically, morally and socially. He went above and beyond to care for his students by arranging haircuts, baths, clothing, and food for many of them. He was named a "Teacher Who Made a Difference" by the University of Kentucky in 2007. At his passing, Ruy H. Jackson was serving as a deacon in his church, helping the environment by raising monarch butterflies, and continued to supply a wealth of information, guidance, and compassion to all who knew him. The family will receive friends from 6 until 9 p.m. at the Creech Funeral Home in Middlesboro, Ky., on Friday, Aug. 17. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Creech Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cecil and Joshua Hensley presiding. Pallbearers will be Mark Jackson, Douglas Jackson, Johnny R. Slusher Jr., Michael Miracle, Kenneth Jackson, Burton Miracle, Kenneth Bronnenberg, Vaughn Yeager, Josh R. Howard, John E. Howard, Leonard Josh Miracle, Joe Jackson, Major David Jackson, Nathanial Johnson, Harvey Howard and Dr. Steve Morgan. Creech Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. |