Jackie Roland Ewing

Jackie Roland Ewing (JR) was born on June 6, 1956, in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of George Wilson Ewing and Annie Lee Montgomery Ewing. Jackie was the sixth of seven children. He was preceded in death by both parents, his eldest brother, George Ewing, Jr., and his step-sister, Johnnie Mae Brown. Following the death of Jackie’s mother, Annie, in August of 1960, George Ewing, Sr. and the Ewing children relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. In July of 1964, George was united in holy matrimony with Lucille McCoy. George and his beloved Lucille helped nurture Jackie to adulthood. Jackie confessed his faith in Christ at an early age, and as an adult, he rededicated his commitment to Christ through baptism. Throughout his Christian journey, Jackie was a member of New Rock Missionary Baptist Church, St. Louis, Missouri. He also attended Cross Life Church, Orlando, Florida; and Zoe Baptist Church, Conley, Georgia. Jackie was a high-spirited, good-natured, and inquisitive child. He showed mechanical and artistic aptitude at a very young age. He attended Enright Middle School and Soldan High School in St. Louis, Missouri. His family still treasures pieces of furniture he designed and constructed in high school woodworking classes.

Jackie attended Bailey Technical School in the 1970s, where he received an Automotive Maintenance Technology Certification. Following graduation, Jackie was recruited to Reavis Auto Repair, in Bridgeton, Missouri. Michael Najjar, former owner of Reavis shared that JR was his lead auto mechanic. After his first year of tenure, he was promoted to lead his team at a second, newly acquired repair shop in Bridgeton, Missouri. Jackie was employed by Reavis until he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. He remained close friends with the former and current owners of Reavis for the remainder of his life.

Jackie’s professional career spanned various industries, including positions as an associate at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, a shipping and receiving clerk at United Parcel Service (UPS), and a host at The Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort.

On July 21, 1990, Jackie was united in holy matrimony to Rosie Mae Dennis. Jackie’s greatest joy in life was their three children, Erika Nicole, Jackie Martice, and Brittani Lashondra. His children remember him as a loving father, an unwavering provider, and a dear friend. In 2002, Jackie published his first novel, ‘Common Denominator, Prosecuting Attorney.’ In the dedication to his book, Jackie beamed: “the cliché that says parents should not be friends with their children, I could not disagree more. I dedicate this book to my Very, Very, Very best friends, in the whole wide world.” After retirement, Jackie was able to obtain employment as a member of the “door corp” at The Waffle House despite his limitations. In the last year of his life, his job provided him interactions with all kinds of people. The job increased his quality of life and gave him purpose and the ability to be independent. In this role, Jackie encountered numerous strangers who became friends. Jackie will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind and gentle soul, with a perpetual smile on his face, and sunny outlook on life. His daughter shared, “Daddy never met a stranger. He was a friend to everyone and anyone.” Jackie was called home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2019, and departed peacefully in his sleep.

Jackie leaves to cherish his memory: three children: Erika (Gabriel) Nicole Pope of Dacula, Georgia, Jackie (Jessica) Martice Ewing of Orlando, Florida, and Brittani (Elijah) Lashondra Garay of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren: Erilyn Olivia-Grace Pope, Eriane Gabrielle Elizabeth Pope, Jaden Michael Anthony Ewing, Justesse Marie Ewing, Camden Elijah Garay, and Roman Alexander Garay. He is also survived by five siblings: Joyce Marie Halsell of Maywood, Illinois, Marvin Edward Ewing of St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara Ann Ewing of Conley, Georgia, Gwendolyn Ewing Alford of Covington, Georgia, and Tommy Wayne Ewing of Bloomington, Minnesota. Three aunts: Jonnie Mae (Lemon) Montgomery Taylor, Abbie Gail Montgomery Riley, and Beverly (Dorothy) Jeffries; four uncles: Abraham (Peto) Montgomery, James Montgomery, Nathaniel Ewing, and Willie (Sonny) Ewing; seven nieces: Leslie Halsell, Victoria Halsell Brewton, Marva Ewing, Latanyia Minner, Martina Alford, Kimberly Alford Hannon, and Alisha Alford; six nephews: Levi Halsell, Michael West, Rommel Wright, Donald Alford, Jr, Steven Ewing Alford, and Brian Brown. Jackie was preceded in death by two nephews: Martice Moore, Sr., and Damian Brown. He also leaves to cherish his memory: scores of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of additional relatives and special friends. And a beloved family cat, Mr. Leo Tremble Ewing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jackie Roland Ewing, please visit our floral store.