Loyd Ray Jackson, a 71 year resident of Carlsbad, NM, passed with peace and grace on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at his home, at the age of 87. Loyd, born February 1, 1928 in Turkey, TX, lived many years in Breckenridge, TX before coming to Carlsbad in 1944. He served in the US Navy, from 1945 to 1947. Loyd met and married the love of his life, Shirley Hodges Jackson, on April 18, 1952. Loyd had the honor of helping to build a successful business with his father and brothers, from just a dream to one of the largest plumbing contractors in town. First, L.V. Jackson & Sons, which later became Jackson Const. & Plumbing for 49 years. As a businessman, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis. Loyd was an entrepreneur and a dreamer in every sense of the word and devised ideas that made him successful at work and ministry. He had several side adventures like a speed boat ride business on the Pecos to flying a private plane for over 35 years. He didn't stop at the dream but had the courage to achieve his dreams.
Loyd was strongly devoted to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus. In the Lord's service he witnessed in over 50 prisons and personally led over 500 people to pray the sinner's prayer and accept Christ into their lives. He has had a part in building or supplying over 70 churches and bible schools in the mission field including Mexico, Cuba, and Belgium over a period of 30 years. He loved distributing the Word of God through the ministry of the Gideons. He served on the Board of First Assembly of God for many years. Well into his 80's, he assisted Shirley to develop a Celebrate Recovery ministry in Carlsbad. These passions were highlights in his life, but in his own words, "The crowning glory of my life on earth is and will always be as the husband of such an extraordinary wife and the father of five extraordinary children." He believed God has shown there can be no higher purpose for a man than to love his family well.
Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley Hodges Jackson. Five children: Deborah Edington of Brenham, TX and husband, Bob Edington; Gwen Gist of Hobbs, NM and Mike Stanley; Starla Porterfield of Louisville, KY and husband, Tom Porterfield; Cherene Patty of Coppell, TX and husband, Kim Patty; John Jackson of Colorado Springs, CO and wife, Kim Jackson. Twelve grandchildren: Tenessa Porterfield-Patterson (Matt), Kerri Gist, Paul Porterfield (Breanna), Tim Porterfield (Charlotte), Becca Simons (Nate), Russell Edington (Chelsea), Lindsay Roe (Bobby), Kaitlen Clower (Ryan), Zane Patty, Rexanna Jackson, Devin Jackson and Rachel Jackson. Fourteen great-grandchildren: Justin and Brandon Holub; Chi, Eowyn, and Rhys Patterson; Caleb, Leila and Aidric Porterfield; Ashbie and Thomas Porterfield; Ava Clower, Stella, Charlie and Lola Simons. One brother: Bennie Jackson of Carlsbad, NM and wife, Jean. Five sisters-in-law: Mary Pat Jackson, widow of Lewis Jackson, Jr., Elsie Herring (Robert), Glenda Jaeger (Ron), Barbara Skipworth (Don), Phyllis Nall, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. Preceded in death by his mother, Lucy Pedigo Jackson, his father, Lewis V. Jackson and one brother, Lewis Jackson, Jr.
Visitation will be 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, July 10, 2015 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home with the family receiving from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 11, 2015 at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brad Coates and Tom Porterfield officiating.
Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors.