Leroy Hill Jackson

A lifelong and deeply respected member of the community, Mr. Leroy Hill Jackson, age 88, peacefully departed this earthly life and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Funeral services celebrating the life and legacy of this remarkable gentleman will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Jody Hill and Bro. Richie Lockhart officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at the church and will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial and graveside services will follow in the Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Born on August 4, 1937, in Falkner, Mississippi, Mr. Leroy was the cherished son of the late Trammel and Thera Hill Jackson. A graduate of Falkner High School, he began a life characterized by hard work, ingenuity, and unwavering devotion to his family. In his younger years, he moved his growing family to Aurora, Illinois, where he worked for Western Electric and became a certified electrician and welder. After returning home to Falkner and putting down roots in the community he loved, he established his own plumbing and electrical business. He later served as Head of Maintenance at Tippah County Hospital, where he was known for his dependability, work ethic, and ability to solve just about any problem placed before him.

Retirement was never a word Mr. Leroy truly understood. In 1980, he embarked upon what would become one of his proudest accomplishments, turning a lifelong dream into reality by inventing and patenting his own catfish skinner and cutter. From that invention grew Jackson Fishing and Sporting, a business he faithfully operated for forty-six years. Known far and wide for his unforgettable slogan, “Skin a Cat, in Seconds Flat,” Mr. Leroy built not only a successful business but a reputation for innovation, determination, and good-hearted service.

On June 12, 2006, he married the love of his later years, Mrs. Diane Watts Ragland Jackson, who survives. Together they enjoyed the simple blessings of life, sharing countless memories while remaining devoted to the community they both loved so dearly. A faithful member of Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Mr. Leroy loved his church family and found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside the congregation.

Outside of his work, Mr. Leroy found his greatest happiness outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, gardening, or simply enjoying God’s creation, he embraced every opportunity to be outside. He was an avid hunter and fisherman whose passion for the outdoors was evident throughout his life. His garden was a source of pride, producing an abundance of vegetables each year that he generously shared with friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. Tuesdays were often reserved for gatherings at Muddy Creek Café, where stories were exchanged, laughter was shared, and friendships were strengthened over a good meal.

A man of remarkable skill and resourcefulness, Mr. Leroy possessed the rare ability to fix, build, or create almost anything. If he did not already know how to do something, he was determined to learn. His talents, combined with an unwavering work ethic, made him someone his family and community could always depend upon.

Throughout his life, he served in many capacities, including Election Commissioner, Boy Scout leader, business owner, mentor, and friend. Yet above every title he held, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and man of integrity. Honest, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand, Mr. Leroy leaves behind a legacy built upon faith, family, and service to others. His absence will be deeply felt, but the countless memories he created and the values he instilled will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.

Cherishing his memory are his beloved wife, Diane Jackson; his three daughters, Pam Bates (Rickey), Penny Robertson (Butch), and Lea Wommack; his stepdaughters, Jeanine Herrmann (Fred) and Brandon Daughtry; his grandchildren, Johnathan Bates (Bethanne), Justin Bates, Jessica Meeks (John), Jenna Mauney (Justin), Cole Robertson (Mandy), Jake Hodum (Kecia), C.J. Terry (Charles), Coley Wommack (Christine), and Rece Wommack (Abbie); his twenty fours great grandchildren, his sister, Pat Flake (Tim); his brothers, Neal Jackson (Carol), Connie Jackson (Janice), Danny Jackson (Sandy), Joel Jackson (Dawn), and Ted Jackson (Debbie); his sister-in-law, Debbie Jackson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and friendship.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Leroy was preceded in death by his sister, Warrine Barkley; his brothers, John William Jackson, R.L. Jackson, Donnie Jackson, Frank Jackson, and Larry Jackson; his stepson, Michael Ragland; and the mother of his daughters, Colleen Ayers Jackson.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memoires with Mr. Leroy's family.

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