of Magazine, AR

August 26, 1948 - October 12, 2025

Ray Jones, age 77, of Magazine, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on August 26, 1948, to the late F.R. ''Buddy'' and Kathleen Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, F.R. ''Buddy'' and Kathleen Jones, and his brother, Larry Jones, along with several other dear relatives and friends who welcomed him home in Heaven.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Helen Jones along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. He was the proud father of three children: Jennifer Reese (Daniel) of Magazine, Holly Jones (Buddy) of Scranton, and Casey Jones (Stacey) of Magazine. Ray was also blessed with six grandchildren: Kayla Rieder (Andrew) of Magazine, Allison Fox (Hayden) of Paris, Max Greb (Anna) of Paris, Montana Reed (Garrett) of Pottsville, and Kolton Jones (Lauren) of Paris. His great-grandchildren, Harper, Charlotte, Stella, Everett, Drake, Drew, and Mylee (expected in February) and his sister, Diane Thomas of Paris.

Ray was married to the love of his life, Helen Jones, for 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their marriage was a true reflection of commitment and devotion.

Ray was known for his unwavering work ethic, a trait he carried throughout his life. His working years began early, when he served as a student bus driver in high school. After graduation, he farmed alongside his father in Virginia before relocating to Arkansas in 1973, where he and Helen purchased their farm, the same place they would call home for decades.

Over the years, Ray operated a chicken-catching business, cut pulpwood, built chicken houses for others, and later went on to build his own poultry houses and cattle farm. No task was ever too big or too small; Ray's hands built a legacy of perseverance and purpose.

He loved extending his knowledge of craftsmanship to anyone willing to learn. Ray helped nearly everyone in the family with some kind of project and took great pride in teaching others the skills he had mastered through years of hard work. Staying busy was his joy, if there was a project to be done, Ray was already knee-deep in it. He served on the Farm Credit Board for 6 years.

He and Helen shared a love of vintage cars and spent countless weekends traveling with their ''Brew Crew'' friends to various car shows. Ray also loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing and made many cherished trips to Colorado with friends and family.

Ray will forever be remembered for his dedication, humor, and the quiet strength that defined his life. He taught by example, showing what it means to love deeply, work hard, and live with purpose.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Brew Crew Car Group.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.

 

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