It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Retired Sergeant Major Leroy Jackson, who died in Copperas Cove, Texas, on December 9, 2025, at the age of 82. His journey began in New Roads, Louisiana, on August 6, 1943, and carried him through decades of military service that culminated in the rank of Sergeant Major. Jackson’s life reflected discipline, leadership, and patriotism, qualities that shaped both his career in the U.S. Army and his role within the Central Texas veteran community.
The trajectory of his service was marked by resilience and responsibility. Rising to the Army’s highest enlisted rank required years of deployments, training oversight, and mentorship, all of which contributed to the strength and readiness of the units he served. His career embodied the camaraderie and endurance characteristic of soldiers stationed in military hubs such as Killeen, where Fort Cavazos anchors a large veteran population.
After retiring, Jackson embraced civilian life in Central Texas, where he found meaning in the fellowship of veteran networks and the family‑oriented atmosphere of the region. The quiet strength he carried from his years in uniform translated into everyday interactions, offering guidance and reliability to those around him. His presence was felt not only in formal organizations but also in the subtle encouragement he extended to neighbors and friends.
Communities in Killeen and Copperas Cove now unite in remembrance, acknowledging both the sacrifices inherent in a Sergeant Major’s career and the dignity with which Jackson transitioned into civilian life. His death invites reflection on the generations of service members who have shaped national defense and continues to inspire respect within local veteran circles.
A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 10:00 a.m. on December 23, 2025, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Arrangements are being coordinated by Chisolm’s Family Funeral Home and Florist. This ceremony will allow family, comrades, and community members to pay tribute, celebrating a life defined by duty and honor.
Sergeant Major Jackson is remembered as a man who lived with purpose, distinguished by his military achievements, his leadership, and his steadfast role in the veteran community. His legacy endures through the values of discipline and patriotism he upheld, continuing to inspire respect for those who serve. In this time of mourning, his memory stands as a testament to resilience, quiet strength, and the enduring bond between military and civilian life in Bell County.