Rogernald Paul Jackson was born December 2, 1921 in Grosbeck, Texas. “Little Deacon” and “Fat Sam” were childhood nicknames of the 5th child of Dee and Hallie Mays Jackson. Rogernald is also known as “Billy” by his friends and “Papa Jack” by his son Rusty’s friends and the youngsters that he coached in baseball. Rogernald graduated from Grosbeck Colored High School in 1939. After serving in the Navy and seeing combat at Pearl Harbor he went on earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Samuel Huston College in Austin, TX. He earned his Master of Science degree from Prairie View A & M University. Rogernald married Essie Morris in 1951 and they moved to Oakland, CA in 1952. Billy was employed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture as a research scientist for more than 35 years. During that time he received many awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Chemical Society. Rogernald was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity where he also served as the Western Region Vice President. Papa Jack served as baseball coach for Berkeley Little League and Corpus Christi School. Several players that he coached went on to play professional baseball.

Rogernald was preceded in death by his parents Dee and Hallie Jackson, his siblings Robert, Maurice, Jim Burney, Chrystal and Essie, his wife of 53 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing son, Rogernald “Rusty” Jackson, Rogernald Paul “Rusty” Jackson III and Randall Jackson. Nieces Brenda Lucas of Austin, TX, Toni King of Oakland, CA. JoAnn Barr of Austin, TX, Beth Morris of Chicago, IL, Enrique Washington of Dallas, TX, Erroll Washington of Cleveland, OH, Eddie Washington, Jr. of San Jose and Cecil Jackson of Waco, TX. Mourning his homegoing are several nephews, nieces and a host of relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Thursday, February 14 at 2PM at Sunset View Cemetery, junction of Fairmount and Colusa Ave.’s in El Cerrito, CA.