Rawleigh Jackson “Jack” Linkous
Jack Linkous passed away on 10/21/2024 in FL. He was born on February 9, 1937, in Bandy, VA, to Lora Elmer Linkous and Ella Delores Steffey. After graduating from Richlands High School in 1955, he joined the US Air Force for 4 years and was in reserves for 2 years. He was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding in 1960 starting off as an electrician for 39 years working on submarines and aircraft carriers for the US Navy. Upon retirement in 1999, they moved to Pensacola, FL and he worked for Avis Budget and Azalea Trace Retirement Community. Poor health forced him to completely retire.
Jack enjoyed working with his hands by doing home improvement projects, making wood furniture and toys, and telling stories of his childhood, his time stationed in the Philippines and Panama City, and about his numerous friends. He was the type of person who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrines.
Those who proceeded him in death were his parents, 1 brother, James Elmer Linkous and 2 sisters, Bonita Drewey and Linda Whisnant.
He is survived by his wife, Esther [Sizemore], and 4 daughters: Teresa Ginger Ward [Clark Ney] of Suffolk, VA, Dana Angellotti and husband Victor of Oviedo, FL, Debra Ward and husband Donald of Smithfield, VA, and Gloria Lemons and husband Jason of Middleburg, FL. He has 5 grandchildren: James Roy Cole [Stacie], Marie Mosher [Ryan], Amanda Ward, James McCoy Ward, and Kylie Chandler [Senke]; and 4 great grandchildren: Preston Cole, Kira, Buddy, and Ella Mosher. He is also survived by 2 sisters: Gloria LeBlanc of Pensacola and Marsha Mullins of Richlands, VA; 1 brother-in-law: Earl Whisnant of Verona, VA; Tommy Ward, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private memorial service will be held at a future date in Virginia.
Family would also like to extend a heartful thank you to the Advent Health Hospice Care Team: Stephanie, Laura, and other nurses who were on call for us. They were instrumental to helping with his care and ensuring we were ok.
