Raymond Leonard Jackson

Raymond Leonard Jackson, age 91, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 5, surrounded by the love of his family—a fitting end to a life that exemplified grace, dedication, and boundless joy.

Ray's magnificent 91-year journey leaves behind a legacy of love through his cherished wife of 62 years, Pauline Gallo Jackson; his son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Susan Jackson and their children Connor and Caroline Jackson; his daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Chase Monroe and their children Chase Jr., Jackson, and Ben Monroe.

Born in Superior, Wisconsin in 1934 to Oscar and Ann Jackson, Ray was the youngest of five children. His pursuit of excellence began early, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1951 and attending Superior State College from 1951-1953 before earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 1955, where he proudly joined Pi Tau Sigma, the mechanical engineering honor society.

Ray's distinguished 46-year career began in July 1955 as a sales engineer with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana. When his country called and he was drafted into the US Army, Ray served from September 1956 to 1958, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and later at the Management Engineering Training School at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, until his honorable discharge.

Returning to his career, Ray worked for Cummins until 1962, then moved to Canton, Ohio to work for Hercules Engine Company. Life's greatest adventure began when Ray was set up on a blind date with the radiant Pauline Gallo in Canton—a meeting that sparked a 62 year long love story. They married the following year, and together built a beautiful life that took them from Columbus, Ohio (where Ray returned to Cummins in 1967), to a brief adventure in Atlanta, Georgia, before settling in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1975 with the whole family. There, Ray returned to and flourished as Vice President of Industrial Sales for Cummins Atlantic until his well-deserved retirement in 2001.

Ray's faith was the cornerstone of his remarkable life. As a devoted parishioner of St. Gabriel's Church, he served with pride as a eucharistic minister, lector, and member of the men's group. His commitment to catholic education shone through his dedicated service on the Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation board and his leadership as President of that same body.

Those who knew Ray will forever remember his radiant smile and positive attitude that could instantly brighten any room and lift any spirit. He was his grandchildren's most enthusiastic cheerleader, attending many sporting events and always beaming with pride from the sidelines. Ray created countless treasured memories sharing his passion for snow skiing with his children and grandchildren on trips to the Rocky Mountains, and the entire family looked forward to their beach vacations. An avid golfer and longtime member of Carmel Country Club, Ray celebrated two holes-in-one during his years on the course.

Retirement opened new chapters of adventure as Ray and Pauline traveled the globe, visiting dear friends and creating a lifetime of precious memories together. In loving memory of his grandson Zach, Ray found deep fulfillment volunteering at Levine Children's Hospital, where his gentle presence and warm smile brought comfort and hope to young patients and their families.

Ray's legacy lives on through his unshakeable faith, his devotion to family, his generous heart, and loving and playful spirit that touched countless lives.  

Information on a memorial service and celebration of Ray’s life will be forthcoming.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Heartest Yard ( Receptions for Research - the Greg Olsen Foundation Inc - HEARTest Yard), would be appreciated.