JACKSONVILLE - Beloved Jacksonville resident, Byron Ray Jackson, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. George D. Speake officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4:00 PM at the Roberts Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church in Spivey's Corner, NC.

Born on February 2, 1929 in Sampson County, NC, Mr. Jackson was the son of the late Alton B. and Maude Warren Jackson. Ray completed studies at Worth's Business College in Fayetteville, NC, entered the United States Air Force, and then completed studies at San Antonio College. He met Jeanne Vann in 1948 and they were married in 1952. They have one son, Byron Ray Jackson, Jr. After completing his tour with the Air Force, he graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Mr. Jackson had a successful career in banking and then with Moore Buick Pontiac. He enjoyed working with his friend, Winton Southerland, before he retired in 2010. Ray loved JESUS more than anyone and served him in his church, as well as with the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, giving his testimony of having been healed of terminal cancer now for 41 years.

In addition to his wife and son, Ray is survived by one sister, WillaDean Jackson Richardson of Manassas, VA; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, prior to the service, from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the church.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 301 Marine Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28540.