Rawley Jackson 1932 - 2017

On March 4, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. Garvin "Rawley" Jackson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, rode out of this life. Cowboys for Cancer founder, Rawley Jackson, passed peacefully at his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico surrounded by the family that loved him dearly.

Rawley was born in St Veraine, NM, June 27, 1932. He served proudly during the Korean War with the United States Air Force. After returning from Korea, Rawley met and married Shirley Elaine Leach in Silver City, New Mexico, where Rawley gained employment with Mountain Bell Telephone Company. He had an incredible 35-year career where he rose through the ranks to lead other men and women within the organization.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 62 years, and his four children Dale Jackson, Wayne (Alicia) Jackson, Linda (Frank) Alvillar, and Martha (Larry) Pickett. He has eight grandchildren, Morgan Jackson, Merina Jackson, Steve Jackson, Dr. Matt Jackson, Amanda Montano, Frank Alvillar, Jr., H.B. Garcia and Ryan Garcia; and seven great-grandchildren, Samuel Rawley, Emma, Elijah, William, Jake Lee, Paul, and Kaius Joseph.

His love of life was encompassed in his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His greatest joy was visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rawley was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Hermann and brother, William F. Jackson.

Rawley worked with the Cowboys for Cancer as the founder and organizer for ten years before passing the torch to others to continue the great work that evolved from humble beginnings. Rawley was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Telephone Pioneers in 2011 for his work with the Cowboys for Cancer.

Rawley was a good Samaritan to all he encountered throughout his life, and would give the shirt off his back to a fellow in need. He will be remembered as a generous, caring and loving man. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and all who loved him.

A visitation for Rawley will be held at Getz Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, March 9, 2017. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.. Graveside services with military honors at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery are pending.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in Rawley's name to Cowboys for Cancer Research, www.unmfund.org/fund/unmccc-cancer-research-fund/.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave. To sign our local online guestbook please log onto www.GetzCares.com.

 

Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Mar. 8, 2017