Alton Ray Jones Sr.

Posted on May 25, 2022

Alton Ray Jones Sr. of Perry was born to Willie and Lovie (Copeland) Jones on March 27, 1928, in Old Town.

Earlier this year, he celebrated his 94th birthday surrounded by his sons, grandchildren and great-children.

Ray was the only brother to five sisters, a role he coveted and cherished. He was protective of them, and some say he was a little more patient for having had so many girls to look after. It was the joy of his life to have a large family, and he was so happy to see his sisters flourish in all they did.

One of the greatest honors of his life was being able to serve his country in the military. At just 17, he had his parents sign permission for him to enlist early in the Navy. He traveled and learned a great deal through his time with the Navy.

One of his favorite stories to tell was when he had the opportunity to serve President and First Lady Truman on the USS Missouri. Fate would have it that years later one of his comrades on the Missouri would marry one of his sisters, and they’d retell that story to one another and realize their paths had already crossed.

He met the love of his life, Marie (Swails) Jones in 1951. They married and enjoyed nearly 69 years together before Marie passed.

In his final moments on earth, he was talking about Marie and fixing her lunch. They were devoted to one another in a way few of us ever get to experience.

Ray and Marie raised three thoughtful, intelligent and kind children. They taught them the value of hard work by raising them up on a 100-acre farm.

They spent time every summer traveling the continental U.S. in a camper.

They instilled the importance of family in their children, taking them to their grandparents and aunt and uncle’s homes often, memories their children carried into adulthood. There was probably nothing they were more proud of than their kids.

Ray worked in construction at an early age, and help construct the Procter & Gamble Pulp Mill in 1954, then later began working with them, retiring after 35 years as the training and safety coordinator.

Ray loved the Lord fiercely. He spent many years traveling abroad for mission trips, spreading the Gospel via not just words, but actions. He faithfully attended Southside Baptist Church and considered the whole congregation his family. He sought to demonstrate Christ in all that he did.

Ray was humble, kind and selfless. He would have been embarrassed to have seen so much written about his passing, and even in his final days, he profusely apologized to his nurses and doctors for taking up their time. He was a generous man and he never wanted to inconvenience a soul.

He was an outdoorsman, a devoted father and husband, a good friend and a kind soul.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Marie; his daughter, Linda; his granddaughter, Sara; his parents, Willie and Lovie Jones; and his sisters, Margie Brown and Wilene Gay.

He leaves behind a legacy to cherish in his two sons, Al (Julie) Jones and Bill Jones; his grandchildren, Stephen, Nick (Meagan) and Chris (Haley) Chammoun; Ayla (Heath) Harris and Krista (Garrett Devane) Jones and Kelsey (Theron) Bassett and Jake Jones.

He was so proud of and excited to be blessed with 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Shandry Hembree, Sharon Ford and Nell Stutts; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

The family will receive family and friends today (Wednesday) at 10 a.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Brother Gary French officiating. Interment be held at Pineview Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you’re welcome to make a donation to Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Tallahassee.