of Mountain View, AR
September 15, 1955 - August 11, 2021
Mark Alan Jones, age 65, of Mountain View, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in Harrison, Arkansas. He was born on September 15, 1955, to the late Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones and Ramona Jones, in Nashville, Tennessee. Along with his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Marsha Marie Jones.
Mark was a lifetime musician. As a young man he began touring across the country with his parents making appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and the television show "Hee Haw". He performed with numerous artists including his father, "Grandpa" Jones, the Willis Brothers, the Wright Brothers, and Jimmy Driftwood's Rackensack Folklore Society. He also worked as a sound engineer for the Statler Brothers.
Some of the most memorable times in his music career were touring with renowned guitarist, Doyle Dykes, playing in churches throughout the U. S. He was a regular performer at the Grandpa Jones Dinner Theatre in Mountain View, Arkansas, and was a founding member of the Arkansas Beanfest. Mark spent several years playing banjo and running sound and lights at Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of The Hills Outdoor Drama in Branson, Missouri. He worked as a performer, and sound engineer at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View and up until his death contributed to the syndicated radio program "From the Vault" via Ozark Highlands Radio.
Throughout his life, Mark taught private music lessons helping to preserve traditional folk music. Even though his life was deeply engrained in music, he enjoyed working with the intellectually disabled and often used his musical talent as a therapeutic tool. Mark is a 2021 inductee of the George D. Hay Society Hall of Honor.
Mark is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sue Jones; children, Joshua Lockard, Candra Hutcheson, Rachel Williams, and Ralyn Lockard; thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Eloise Jones Hawkins and Alisa Jones Wall, and her children, Jesse and Marlee Wall; and numerous other family members and friends.
Mark enjoyed the simple ways, stories of the past, and making people laugh. He loved the Ozark Mountains, rivers, and streams, and he was loved for the gentle, kind person that he was.
Mark's celebration of Life was held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM, at the Ozark Folk Center's large auditorium (Ozark Highlands Theater) in Mountain View.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OPRY TRUST FUND, 1 Gaylord Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.
The family respectfully asks that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.
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33 Condolence(s)
Jon Hubbard
Sunday, November 27, 2022
I was on the faculty at Greenbriar TN High School, and Mark was in one of my classes. We linked up a few years ago when my wife and I visited Mountain View, AR, and I was sad to hear of his passing this week.. Seeing a couple of the commenters here, Herb Goodner and Jon Briggs, brought back very fond memories of my time at Greenbriar. I remember that Mark took a trip to Hawaii with his Dad over the Christmas break one year. Mark was a fine Christian man, very talented, and he will be greatly missed.
Linda Brunner`
Sunday, August 21, 2022
We enjoyed Mark on Ozark Highlands Radio on Sunday nights on KSMU from Springfield. Just now heard about his passing.
Will be missed.
Daniel Wade
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Sorry for your loss I've been out of touch with to many people the last few years have talked to mark probably a decade or so used to love and visit gran pa and mark DONADAGOHVI until then
Larry Lowe
Friday, January 14, 2022
Mark and I spent a lot of time together in the 70s mostly playing music together. A lot of good memories and stories to tell. He was a good person - always pleasant and giving. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Emery McCoy
Friday, September 3, 2021
As a classmate and good friend of Mark's, I know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him, which was MANY!
A wonderful man of God, he was an inspiration to all who knew him!
RIP Mark. You will be sadly missed!
Sandy Nelson
Saturday, August 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss praying for the family , Mark was a sweet, kind ole soul with many talents. Mark you will be greatly missed.
Annette Turman
Saturday, August 28, 2021
To Sue and all of Mark’s family… We are broken hearted to hear of Mark’s passing. We thought the world of this soft-spoken and gentle man. He had a God-given talent and we so enjoyed hearing him play. May God comfort your heart and bring peace to your mind as you go forward.
We love you all, Greg and Annette
Herbert Goodner her9 UNC
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Visited Mark Dad's and Mom's home after a show at the Opera House with Louie Roberts. Had wine and cheese that was a gift the Jones had received for a friend/fan.Was a teacher at Greenbriar High. Knew Mark,but was not his teacher.Communicated on Facebook. RIH Mark.
Betty L Barnes
Monday, August 23, 2021
Sue, so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our prayers. May God give you peace and strength to continue to move forward. Love you, Betty
Corky Wolf
Sunday, August 22, 2021
He was a kind sweet man and he will be missed by us all.
Terry & Linda Gann
Sunday, August 22, 2021
When we married in 1967 we needed a place to live. Grandpa and Ramona were gracious to let us rent their guest house in Ridgetop. That's where we met the family children....."Weezie", Lisa and Mark. So our relationship with Mark goes back 50+ years. We were so glad to meet up with him again 20 years ago in Branson and Mountain View. We cherish our memories with the family. God bless your influence on music, family and God. Please know that we grieve with you. Keep on pickin' Mark!
Martha Stanley
Friday, August 20, 2021
I have always been impressed by Mark’s musical and sound engineering abilities.
But what I will always remember most was how skillfully and gently he coached me through the worst case of virulent stage fright I’d ever had the first time I performed on the OFC stage. I was so grateful for his kindness and direction.
Rest In Peace, Mark.
Lisa Ray
Friday, August 20, 2021
Mark was such a great guy. He helped me get a job teaching fiddle at Guitarsmiths music store years ago. He was a class act. Had a big heart. You'll be missed my friend. Prayers for Sue and family. ðŸ™
Jon Briggs
Friday, August 20, 2021
Sympathy and prayers for all. He was a ciassmate and friend. A gift to many. Our sincere condolences
Tim Brewer
Friday, August 20, 2021
Mark was one of my dearest friends. He was actually more like a brother. I met him when we were both freshmen in high school and we were pretty much inseparable all the way through graduation.
We still kept in touch and would get together every chance we could get.
He helped me in so many ways in our youth including helping me get started with playing with artists and the Opry.
I have nothing but great memories of him. Wish I could’ve seen him but just one more time.
I sure loved him, and I’ll miss knowing that I could call or text anytime and he would always answer back quickly.
We talked about The Lord a lot when we would get together, and I know from those conversations that Jesus was the Lord of his life, and so I know that I will see him again.
I love you Mark, I’ll see you after a while.
Ida Hale
Friday, August 20, 2021
We loved Mark and enjoyed having him in our home. He was a kind person and we loved his stories of days traveling making music. Prayers for the family as they go on without him.💔💔
Rick Keisler
Friday, August 20, 2021
Great knowing You!
Anne Stannard Jeppesen
Thursday, August 19, 2021
I met Mark when I was living with my brother Alan and his wife Bobbie. He was the kindest and most soft spoken man . I was treated to a few concerts at the Folk Center and we were always invited to join him in the nest where he made the artists performing sound their best. I feel honored to have known Mark albeit a .short time. Grateful we were on this earth at the same time and our paths crossed. God bless you dear Mark. Anne Jeppesen
Lee Dunlap
Thursday, August 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way Candra and Jason and the entire family.
Gene Reasoner
Thursday, August 19, 2021
I met Mark in the Audio Loft Recording Studio in Mack’s Creek, MO in the early 80’s. He helped get me a job playing bass guitar for his dad Grandpa Jones which I held for three years. I didn’t get to spend as much time with Mark as I would have liked but I loved his gentle spirit and his skill as a musician. He left us way to soon and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to Eloise and Alissa.
RIP Mark…
Les Leverett
Thursday, August 19, 2021
As my family and the Jones family were good friends, we had the joy of being in the presence of Mark
many times, and always enjoyed his company. He was always full of fun and happiness. Though we
were separated by many miles, and travel restrictions in later years, his memory will be very strong
in our minds. Wonderful person!
Mary Morrow
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Sending prayers to the family . He was a kind person and will be missed by many.
Kelvin Richardson
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
A kind soul that the world is better because of his passing through it.
Janet Waykins
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Mark was a friend to us all and will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Janet Watkins
Pulaski County Rackensack Society
Cotton McBryde
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
RIP Mark
Cotton McBryde
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
RIP
Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Mark and I go way back. I cut my second CD at his studio in Mt. View. Before that we worked the Hee Haw Theatre with his parents. Besides his fine banjer pickin', I enjoyed the road stories he'd tell. He'd crack up laughing sometimes before he'd finish. I'm going to miss my dear friend, and I know Mark, Pa, and Miss Ramona will liven up that Heavenly band.
Shawnna Werner
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
He is greatly missed. I worked with him and he was a great source of patience and wisdom. I loved hearing him play. So sorry for y’all’s loss.
Linda Wood
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss may god bless and comfort you
Glenda Martin
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Mark gave me and a few more banjo lessons in the 70's. He was so funny and so kind. Prayers for his family. God bless you all.
Francis R Orsbon
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
I graduated with Mark in 1974 Greenbrier High School he was always fun to be around,seen his dad a couple of times and asked him about Mark I know he is missed prayers and thoughts all around
Roger Carroll
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Mark will be missed by many. I have know him since high school. I rode in his hearse that he had back then. Playing for Hank Snow put me on a lot of tours in USA and Canada. Lots of great memories. Rest high on an Ozark mountain my friend
Doug Gilbert
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Prayers for the family... Rest in peace my friend...