Rickey Gene Jackson, 68, of Russellville passed away March 9.  

A graveside service will be held March 14 at 2 p.m. at Duncan Creek Cemetery, Russellville. Bro. Greg Pace will officiate.

Rickey is survived by his wife, Marsha Jackson; daughters, Amanda Franks (Jeremy) and CarrieRuth Jackson; son Christopher Jackson (Lindsay); his brothers, Jimmy Jackson and Greg Pace ­­­­(Penny); and his grandchildren, Madalyn Shirley (Jordon) and AuBrey Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Cleveland Jackson, and mother, Beatrice Nelson Pace. 

He was born Feb. 18, 1955, in Russellville. In 1974 he attended the Alabama Military Academy Class 19, where he was commissioned as a U.S. Army Armor Branch second lieutenant.

After a distinguished career as an Armor Officer, he retired from the Alabama National Guard as a major in 1993, serving 21 years, seven months and 16 days.  He would always remind everyone, “Don’t forget the 16 days.”

Rickey loved his children and grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He also loved his dog, Erchkin, as well as his grand-dogs, his coffee, sitting on the front porch and Auburn football.

He was a graduate of a two-year college and Russellville High School, and he resided in Russellville his entire life. He started his first sales position when he was 13 years old at Felton Hardware and worked 40-plus years as a hardware and chemical sales representative.

Rickey was a board member of the Franklin County Housing Authority and president of the Franklin County Jaycees for several years.  In his younger years, around 1974, he served as a fireman with the Russellville Fire Department.  

Rickey will be missed by his family and friends.

Akins Funeral Home is assisting the family.