Wallace "Wally" Raymond Jackson Jr.

Wallace (Wally) Raymond Jackson Jr., 59, of Jonesboro passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at his home in Jonesboro.  He was a father, son, brother, and faithful companion.

Wally was born in Osceola, Arkansas, to Wallace and Pat Jackson.  He was a three-sport letterman and all-around best athlete his senior year at Osceola High.  He was also an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow.

After high-school, Wally attended Arkansas State University and became a proud member of Beta Psi Chapter of the TKE Fraternity.   Wally served as the ASU Indian Brave, a role that allowed him to entertain and engage fans.  As Indian Brave, Wally channeled and developed his passion for his team, a team that would continue to mean so much to him throughout his life.

Wally became a flight attendant (or as he called it: “in flight safety specialist”) for Piedmont Airlines—which eventually became USAir—in 1985 and provided international and domestic flights.  He worked as a flight attendant for almost two decades before returning to Jonesboro to work for a local radio station and spend more time with his children.

ASU Athletics has always been a very important part of his life—as both a student and an Alumni.  After college, Wally served as the chef for many TKE tailgates where he competed with his friend Lavone for the “rights” to the grill.  He was also widely known as the fan that “stirred up the crowd;” literally, by stirring a giant wooden spoon in the air.

ASU athletics became more than Wally’s passion, it became his job.  Wally lived out his dreams, becoming a radio personality on the “Red Wolf Roll Call” radio network with his co-host and dear friend, JC Cox.  Fans tuned in to hear “Uncle Walls” talk about sports, pop culture, and everything in between.  Uncle Walls will be dearly missed.

Behind the microphone, Wally was a family man.  He was so proud that his children were independent, living in Memphis, and studying law.  He became a beloved grandfather to his companion’s grandchildren–a role he carried out naturally.  He was also the ultimate chef, cooking up an excellent meal any time he put on his apron.  While Wally added the perfect amount of spice to any dish he created, he also added the perfect amount of spice to everyone’s life.  Ever the life of the party, Wally will be missed.

Wally He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Jackson, sister, Jackie Massanelli, and step father Quam Neal.

Wally is survived by:  his significant other for over 20 years, Kathy Jones Cole of Jonesboro; his mother, Pat Neal, of Parkin; his daughter, Katelyn E. Jackson and her fiancé, Phill Ruston, of Memphis; and his son, Clayton P. Jackson, and his girlfriend Mary Hurley of Memphis.  He is also survived by his siblings, Janice Croom of Jonesboro, Bernée and Rick Thurow of North Little Rock, cousins and several nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home, Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 PM with a service following at 2:00 PM, burial will be private, under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials,  please donate to the Red Wolves Foundation’s Auditorium Seating Campaign.  All donations made in Wally’s name will go towards naming a seat in the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center Auditorium in honor of Wally.  Donations can be made by calling 870-972-2401 or by mailing a check made out to the “Red Wolves Foundation,” indicating the donation is for the Auditorium Seating Campaign in memory of Wally Jackson.  Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 2219, State University, AR 72467. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com