Obituaries

Johnny Jackson Sr.

Photo of Johnny Jackson Sr.
Borrowing a line from D.L. Moody, Johnny Jackson Sr. used to say with a wry smile, "One day you're going to read in the newspaper that I've died. Don't you believe it!" By this, "The Preacher", as Jackson often referred to himself, expressed his absolute confidence that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Johnny Jackson slipped quietly from this life to the next in the early hours of October 15 after a weeklong vigil in which he participated with great faith, humor and courage. He was 85. The boldness and resolve with which he made the end of life decision to discontinue dialysis reminded some of his trademark quip: "I might be wrong but I'm not confused." Johnny spent most of the week leading up to his passing by encouraging family, friends, peers and protégés who visited his hospital room or talked with him by phone. His last conscious words were to Carlene, his wife of 64 years: "I love you, Sweetheart." He was Pat and Ruby Jackson's second born child, arriving May 3, 1928. He must have looked like a "Johnny Joe" to Ruby because that's the name she put on his birth certificate. He grew up in Camden, Arkansas, with his beloved parents and siblings: Pat Jr. (d.1956), Jimmy, Billy Ray (d. 1936), Homer (d. 2011) and Zada. "Of all the adventures, privileges and honors I've had in my life," Johnny often said, "what I cherish more than anything else is my family." Johnny and Carlene have four sons: Johnny Jr., Paul, Brent and Timothy. The family grew and was enriched in love by four daughters-in-law, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. "Granddaddy" loved each member of his family – praying for them by name every day and keeping up with the big and small events of their lives. After his family, Jackson loved (mostly in this order) preaching and being a pastor; serving in the offices and institutions of the Southern Baptist Convention; playing golf; and cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Of this last item it should be noted that Johnny Jackson was a fierce competitor and loyal fan. During a forty-year stretch, he only missed attending two Razorback football home games. "One because of heart surgery and the other due to poor planning." During his studies and following graduation from Ouachita Baptist College (1951) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1956), Johnny pastored churches in Arkansas and Texas. Most notably he was pastor of Forest Highlands Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark., from 1966 until 1986. He served two terms as President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention. He served eighteen years as a trustee for Ouachita Baptist University. He was elected Chairman of the SBC's North American Mission Board in 1991. His passions for Bible study, history and travel came together in the 21 Holy Land tours he led for Dehoney Travel. In ministry, nothing exceeded his love of missions and his support for missionaries. The work and family of Morris Wanje in Kenya, East Africa, held a special place in Johnny's heart. After entering semi-retirement, Jackson served seventeen churches in Arkansas as interim pastor. During those interims, The Preacher faithfully practiced the less in vogue pastoral arts of visiting people in their homes and praying with people in hospitals and prisons. During his interim pastorate at First Baptist Church in Maumelle, Ark., Johnny Jackson entered his 65th year of public ministry. The congregation surprised "Bro. Johnny" with a public celebration of that remarkable milestone. Johnny Jackson Sr. was buried in a private graveside service shortly after his passing. A public celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church, Maumelle, Arlk., on Friday, November 1 at 10 a,.m. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Ouachita Baptist University. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published October 18, 2013

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