Rev. Dennie Ray Jackson, of Mason, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, at the age of 79. He was born on September 17, 1937 in Junction, Texas to Frank and Ruby Jackson. He was born along with his twin sister, Donnie, as the 5th addition to the family. He graduated from Junction High School in 1955. After high school, he gave his time to the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged to enter the ministry full time. He was led into the ministry on his 21st birthday, after he miraculously survived a severe medical condition. This calling led him to the Mason Gospel Church and in 1963, he became the full-time pastor. Through the years, Dennie was involved in countless ministries and community service such as The Hallelujah Bus, the huge church vegetable garden, the House of Praise, God's Acres Enterprise, Grandparents Thank You Day, and the Mason County Ministerial Alliance. In 1974, Dennie married the love of his life, Emma Gene, and together they provided ministry to their church family for more than 50 years. The message was simple, "God is love." He was the most loving and faithful servant to his Lord and talked of finishing God's work up until his passing. Dennie also loved his family abundantly. He was Dad and Papa to so many! His gentle spirit and kindness would draw anyone in who met him and will be missed tremendously.
Dennie Ray Jackson is survived by his daughter Rebekah Maaz and husband, Lee of Austin; step-children, Joyce Masters and husband, Charlie of Spicewood, Margie Wilson and husband, David of Mason, and Tim Dockal and wife, Helen of Mason; siblings, a brother Vernon Jackson and wife, Pam of Tow, 2 sisters, Frankie Leamons of Tow and Donnie Benner and husband, Bill of Windham, New Hampshire; grandchildren: Sarah Maaz, Rachel Maaz, Michele Willis and husband, Shane, Allen Marshall, Kelley Craft and husband, Mark, Sherrie Anderson, Tina Owens and husband, Brian, Robin Dockal, and Tana Autrey and husband, Cody; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Gene Jackson, a grandson, Robert Anderson, 2 sisters, Oma Murphy and Modene Bruns, and a brother, James Jackson.
Visitation with the family was Friday afternoon, December 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. in the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Private interment was in the Cavness Cemetery following the service.
Those desiring to make a donation in the honor of Rev. Dennie Ray Jackson may do so to the Mason Gospel Church or to the Parkinson's Research foundation of your choice.