Richard Wilburt Jackson

Reverend Father Richard Wilburt Jackson was a man who lived his life in service of others.  Born in Ovid, Colorado on May 9, 1945, a loving son of the late Rev. Frank Andrew Jackson and Lora Lou Hutchings Jackson, Rick grew up travelling around the world as his father worked as a Methodist missionary, including living in Southern Rhodesia in Africa (now Zimbabwe).  He was commissioned in the United States Army in 1965, and served several tours in Vietnam as an officer in the 5th Special Forces Group serving in the highly specialized and dangerous Mobile Guerrilla Force unit.  He would later retire as a Lt. Colonel with the U.S. Army through the Reserves.  His son would follow in his footsteps and also serve as an officer in the United States Army, graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.  A shared proudest moment for both was Rick pinning on his son’s Ranger Tab at the graduation ceremony of U.S. Army Ranger School in Ft. Benning, GA as a 2nd generation Ranger.

Following his military service in Vietnam, Rick worked in law enforcement and earned his Juris Doctorate from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC.  He would go on to serve in Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland Counties in various roles including: private practice; Assistant District Attorney; Assistant Public Defender; and Public Defender. 

After his retirement from the legal profession and public service at age 60, Rick still felt he had more to give to others through his life experiences. His passion to serve and care for others directed him into seminary to pursue his calling of becoming a Priest.  He attended seminary in Florida and was ordained through the Diocese of Charleston, SC.  As a Priest, Father Rick served enthusiastically, tirelessly, and passionately.  His heart overflowed with the joy of serving others in direct service of our Lord. He was uniquely able to communicate with parishioners in Spanish and Vietnamese. He continued to serve after retirement from the Church by frequently filling in for other clergy members for services throughout North and South Carolina, and through volunteer work. Father Rick was a dedicated volunteer with St. Mary’s Church in Laurinburg, NC, as well as the volunteer Chaplain for Scotland Memorial Hospital and Scotland County Hospice, where he served weekly until his passing.  He passed to his eternal home at the age of 77 on June 28, 2022.

His daughter, Melodie Anne Jackson Blasko preceded him in death along with his parents.

Surviving is his son, Thomas “Tom” Andrew Jackson and wife, Jennifer Everett Jackson, of Eastover, NC; a brother, Jim Jackson and wife Pam, of Florida, and their children, Monica Winebarger of Oregon, and Bryce Jackson of Florida; and grandchildren, Thomas “TJ” Andrew Jackson, Jr., attending Campbell University, and Hadley Jo Anne Jackson, attending UNC-Chapel Hill.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Laurinburg, NC at 11am on July 12th, 2022. Military honors and a reception at the church will follow.

In his memory, donations are requested to be given to St. Mary Catholic Church in Laurinburg, NC, as Father Rick would have wanted.

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