Robert Allen Jackson

Robert “Bobby” Allen Jackson, 82, of Etoile, Texas, peacefully passed away at his home on Monday, March 31, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1942, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Bobby spent many years as a Road Master for Cotton Belt/Southern Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad’s before retiring to enjoy his favorite hobbies with his wife of 35 years—fishing on the serene waters of Lake Sam Rayburn and passionately cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks.

 Bobby was predeceased by his parents Ray Jackson and Clotene Thompson Shackleford, his son, Chris Sindik, and his niece, Lori Jackson.

 Bobby is survived by his loving wife Cindy Fitzgerld Jackson, of Etoile, Texas; his son, Don Jackson, of Magnolia, Arkansas; two daughters, Kristal McDonald and husband Robert, of Magnolia, Arkansas, and Jill Ortiz and husband Travis, of Nacogdoches, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Jackson, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

 Bobby was a proud and dedicated “Grandaddy” to his grandchildren: Tanner Jackson, Zoë Sindik, Caitlyn Jackson, Reece McDonald, Maggie McDonald, Jakson Ortiz, and Tucker Ortiz; as well as a great granddaughter, Raylynn Sindik, and a great grandson, Christopher Cohen Sindik. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment with them.

 Bobby’s love for sports was evident throughout his life. He was a talented college football player at Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia, Arkansas, where he played for four years. His skill on the field earned him a letter of interest from the NFL, but after a knee injury, he chose to complete his bachelor’s degree in business at SAU. Though he never played professionally, Bobby’s passion for football never waned. He spent every Sunday during football season cheering for the Cowboys—often with a mix of hope and heartache—and supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks in all their sports endeavors.

A visitation will be held from 10:00AM-12:00PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM at Blue Springs Cemetery in Etoile, Texas, with Brian Tyre officiating under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

 Serving as pallbearers will be Don Jackson, Travis Ortiz, Jakson Ortiz, Tucker Ortiz, Tanner Jackson, Ricky Alvis, and Jerry McGuire.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Woden High School Baseball Program c/o Coach Brad Stevens at P.O. Box 100 Woden, TX 75978, Blue Springs Cemetery at PO Box 106, Etoile, TX, 75944, or a charity of your choice in Bobby’s memory.

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