Ross Fitzhugh Jackson, Sr., 88, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, went home to be with Jesus on October 1, 2026, at his home.

Ross was born in 1938 in East Brewton, Alabama, to Opal Junior Jackson and Annie Elizabeth Jackson, and grew up in Atmore. Hard work was in his roots. His father was a welder, his mother worked in a ribbon mill, and her family farmed as sharecroppers. As a boy, he spent some time hoeing cotton and learned early to respect his parents and earn his own way. After graduating from Vigor High School in Prichard, he attended college for a time. He never completed a degree, but he stayed a student all his life. Each week he set out to master a new vocabulary word, and he kept sharpening his mind with tapes and motivational speakers.

His first job was with the Post Office in Mobile, but he found his true calling when Morrison’s Cafeteria hired him there and immediately sent him to Memphis for training. From there, his work took the family to Chattanooga and Atlanta. After Atlanta, he was promoted to manager, and he became so skilled at opening new locations that the company sent him across the South to launch them. Next came Nashville, Greenville (MS), Pensacola, and Jackson, where he was promoted to District Manager. The family later moved to Birmingham before settling in Gulf Breeze. He retired at 56. He was known for his honesty, and he built his career the way he did everything, with steady, hard work.

On January 30, 1958, he married Patricia “Patty.” They were both only 20 when their first child was born, and together they raised three children in a home where they never went without. He never had to lecture his children about work ethic, because he showed them every single day. He pushed them past what felt comfortable and encouraged them to attempt things they doubted they could do. More often than not, they succeeded, and he was never surprised.

His family will carry his words with them always:

“A place for everything and everything in its place.”

“If you borrow something from somebody, return it in better condition than you received it.”

“Always stand up to shake a man’s hand, and have a firm handshake.”

Ross was raised Methodist. In Birmingham, he and Patty attended Valleydale Baptist Church, where he served with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief. After Hurricane Katrina, he traveled with a team to Louisiana to help those affected by the storm. He and Patty later attended Hunter Street Baptist Church, where he was baptized. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze. Away from work, he loved a round of golf with his buddies, and on fall Saturdays he was all in for Alabama football. Roll Tide!

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Opal Talmadge Jackson; and his son-in-law, Richard Owen Harless, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patty.

He is also survived by his children: Cynthia “Cindy” Jackson Harless; Ross “Sonny” Fitzhugh Jackson, Jr. and his wife, Linda Jean Jackson; and Cheryl Lynn Jackson Heatherington and her husband, William Paul Heatherington.

His grandchildren: Kristopher Wendell Harless and his wife, La Nita Rena Harless; Cameron Ross Harless and his wife, Kayleigh Lynn Harless; Courtney Patricia Wickline and her husband, Rowdy Lee Wickline II; Ashley Nichole Upchurch and her husband, Jared Daniel Upchurch; Daniel Ross Jackson and his wife, Hannah Joy Jackson; Sheldon Paul Heatherington; and Jesse Calder Heatherington.

And his seventeen great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze. All who knew and loved him are invited to join the family in celebrating a life well lived.