Larry Jackson

Larry Gean Jackson, known lovingly as “Say Man,” filled 71 years with warmth, rhythm, and soul. Born on November 22, 1954, in Dexter, Missouri, and residing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he passed away on April 4, 2026.

Larry was a self-employed roofer for many years before retiring from Gilster-Mary Lee. More than anything, he was an avid music lover. His heart beat to the rhythm of blues and R&B, and that deep Southern soul he carried with him everywhere he went. If you knew Larry, you knew the music was never far. He loved a good game of dominoes, spades, or tonk. Wherever he was, there was a vibe—music playing, laughter flowing, and often something rolled up and in rotation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Pearl Jackson; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and twelve brothers and sisters.He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved partner, Debra Harris of Cape Girardeau, Missouri—but as he lovingly called her, “that’s my wife”; his children: MaCail (Jamar) Harris and Marion (Damian) Thompson of Clarksville, Tennessee; his son, Gary Patterson of Gary, Indiana; and Alesha Fyre of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; along with 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by five sisters: Drunetta (Derome) Clark of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Louise Jackson and Sheryl Wren of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Brenda Jackson and Theresa Strange of McKinney, Texas; and two brothers: Harry (Jermaine) Jackson of McKinney, Texas, and Calvin Jackson of Douglasville, Georgia; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service may be held at a later date.