Robert L. Jackson

Portsmouth, RI - Robert L. Jackson, 79, of 60 Lepes Road, Portsmouth, RI, died Saturday, July 29, 2006 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.He was the husband of Dottie Robertson Jackson. They were married for 57 years.Born in Mobile, Alabama on October 4, 1926, he was the son of the late Samuel and Alberta Stewart Jackson.Mr. Jackson was a retired US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, serving nearly 22 years. His service spanned across three international conflicts, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. After his retirement from the Navy, he worked as the manager of Food Services for the Newport Naval Hospital.Over his career he was often a mentor to younger generations. As the manager at the Naval Hospital he hired young high school graduates and showed them the values of responsibility and hard work. He also mentored young naval servicemen and women with a straightforward approach and uncompromisinghonesty. Outside of work he spent a few years as a volunteer for the Newport Housing Authority.His greatest commitment was to his family, spending time at home, time with his children and grandchildren, and time tending to his garden or reading books. He had a tremendous appetite for reading and learning.He is survived by his wife Dottie R. Jackson of Portsmouth, RI, three sons Robert L Jackson Jr. and his wife Nola of Nashua, NH; Richard L. Jackson of Fremont, CA; Ronald L. Jackson and his wife Maureen of Nashua, NH; and a daughter Rita L. Jackson of Cheshire, GA. He is also survived by a sister Dorothy Ely of Pritchard, AL; eight grandchildren: Anthony, Samuel, Matthew, Mark, Jonathan, Lee, Rebekah, and Andrew, and one great granddaughter Kiara. His is also survived by eight nieces and nephews. Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Sarah Jackson.His funeral will be held on Thursday, August 3, at 11:00 A.M., at the Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown with military honors.Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 3 from 10:00 A.M. at the Community Baptist Church before the service.Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI 02903.