Ray Daniel Jones' Obituary
Ray Daniel Jones, of Broken Arrow, Okla., left this life — one defined by a deep, enduring love for his family, his God and the city he always called home — on May 20, 2016. He was 86 years old. Ray was born, in Broken Arrow, to Horace and Nellie Jones on Aug. 8, 1929, and began attending school in 1935. His early life was marred by tragedy — his mother died when he was just nine years old — but he was taken in and raised by his beloved grandmother, Fannie Aud, who instilled in him a life-long faith in the Lord. Apart from a brief stint living in New York City, Ray remained in Broken Arrow, where, upon attending high school, he played football for coach H.K. Ragsdale, played trumpet with the Pride, edited the school yearbook and was president of his graduating class in 1947. High school was also where Ray met the love of his life: Norma Jean Lowery, his sweetheart to whom he was married, in Broken Arrow, on Oct. 16, 1949. They would live in Broken Arrow for their entire marriage of 66 years. Among other pursuits, such as woodworking and attending Broken Arrow High School football games, he loved to travel, and he and Norma Jean took a great many trips together. Ray began working at American Airlines in 1948 and remained there for 43 years, until his retirement in 1991. In addition to providing for his family, which now included son Scott, Ray proudly served his community, sitting on various public committees (such as one responsible for naming Broken Arrow’s new football stadium), and assisting with the publication of two Broken Arrow history books for fourth grade students. Ray also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Broken Arrow Pride Parents and other organizations. In addition, Ray served as a deacon, song leader and Sunday school superintendent for many years at Broken Arrow’s First Christian Church. The most profound joy of Ray’s life was his son and his two grandchildren, with whom he spent many wonderful hours. Ray also became a great-grandfather for the first time on May 10. Although he was very ill, he was able to see his great-granddaughter’s picture, and was overjoyed about her arrival. Through photos, he was also able to see his grandson receive his doctorate from the University of Kansas on May 15. He had very much wanted to be there for these events. Ray enjoyed this life — his life: one rich with family, friends, faith and a sense of humor — to the fullest, and was loved by all who met him, who knew him and who were lucky enough to call him husband, father, grandfather, friend. Ray Daniel Jones will be missed as much as he was loved — greatly. Ray is survived by his wife, Norma Jean, of 66 years; his son, Scott Allen Jones, and Scott’s wife, Julie, both of Broken Arrow; his two grandsons, Preston Daniel Jones and wife Carla, of Dallas, Texas, and Nathan Allen Jones, wife Rebecca, and great-granddaughter Julianne, of Lawrence, Kansas; and niece Dearlyne Ross, of Yukon. Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Nell; his parents, Horace and Nellie Jones; his sister, Eula Mae Speck; and his grandparents. Services will be held Tuesday, May 24th 10 am at Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow. Visitation will be held Monday, May 23rd, from noon to 8 pm, with the family receiving friends and family between 6 and 8 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow.
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