Jackie Ray Colbert

Jackie Ray Colbert passed away on June 19, 2018. Jack was born July 3, 1938 to Morris Franklin and Beatrice Mary (Johnson) Colbert in Indianapolis, IN.

He graduated from Southport High School in 1956, where he was a member of the basketball and cross country team. He worked at Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis for 30+ years, retiring in 2001.

He married his wife Delilah (Hollis) Colbert in 1960, and together they raised their four children. He was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews and a father-figure to many.

His greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a proud Papa and he attended any and all of his grandchildren’s concert performances, awards programs, and sporting events, often traveling to different events or arriving early so he could be in the front row. It has been said that a parent will only be in one of three places – in front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, or next to you so you aren’t walking alone. As a parent, grandparent, uncle and father-figure, Jack was known to do all three. He accepted Christ and attended The Blended Church.

He was an avid gardener who readily shared his bounty of tomatoes, zucchini and squash. During his life, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. He loved his Lincoln and 50s music.

He is survived by his wife Delilah; children Jackie Ray Colbert II (Donna), Jayna Ward (Jeff), Jennifer Stringer (Kevin), and Jodi Williams (Abner); grandchildren Jasmine Cox, Justin Colbert, Moriah Colbert, Makayla Colbert, Chaz Stringer, Autumn Stringer, Jenna Owens and Jayden Owens; great-grandchildren Angel AdjeiBoateng and Marley AdjeiBoateng; and his sisters Phyllis Arnold (Jesse) and Marleeta Colbert Apolinar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Beneta Kay (Colbert) Hughes and Donald Franklin Colbert.