Raymond “Ray” Bryant Jones, age 87, passed away Friday. He was the son of the late Betty and Carl T. Jones.
In 1939, the family moved to Jones Valley Farm. Originally 2,500 acres, it remains one of the largest working urban farms in the United States and one of its most beautiful.
Ray Jones graduated from Auburn University and was an avid Auburn fan. He served in the military, and then returned to Huntsville in 1957 to manage the farm. When his father died in 1967, he became president of their local engineering firm. He ran and expanded the family’s farming, real estate, and engineering businesses for over 35 years.
Ray was a dedicated servant to others. He served on the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees, where he played a pivotal role in the founding of the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering. He also served in a variety of other roles, including the UAH Foundation Board and as the president of the Huntsville Rotary Club. Mr. Jones received multiple honors for his leadership in our community, state, and nation.
Mr. Jones was a much-loved public speaker and the author of three books. His most popular book, “The Farm in Jones Valley”, has sold thousands of copies. Mr. Jones loved all aspects of farming, especially raising cattle. He often shared the farm with others and conducted numerous tours for school children. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He especially loved turkey hunting and was blessed to have reached his limit this year at 87 years old. Some of his experiences are recorded in his book, “Southern Turkey Hunting”.
Mr. Jones spent his life in dedicated service to his Lord Jesus Christ and to His Church, serving as a deacon at Mayfair Church of Christ for decades. He served on multiple mission trips to Cuba and to the Baja. He touched people from every walk of life and his love and legacy are far reaching. He will be greatly missed by all.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife Libby; their three children, Lisa (Mark) Yokley, May (Mike) Patterson and Raymond B. Jones, Jr. (Kristy); and seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Allison, Caroline, Bryant, Will, Raymond and Katherine. Great-grandchildren include Walter and Everett England, Ellie Kate and Abigail Ogden and Elise Glombowski. He is also survived by his two sisters, Betsy (Peter) Lowe and Carolyn (John) Blue and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday July 20, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the funeral on Thursday at 11 a.m., both at Mayfair Church of Christ. For live streaming of the service, please see www.mayfair.org. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Mayfair Church of Christ (World Bible School or Local Missions), Lipscomb University (Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering), Huntsville Hospital Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
