Johnny Ray Jones

Johnny Jones Obituary

ST. MATTHEWS - Funeral service with full military honors for Master Sgt. Johnny Ray Jones will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2011 at the St. Matthews K-8 School, 135 Saints Avenue, St. Matthews, SC, with the Rev. Joanne Walker-Brown and the Rev. Dr. Alvin Larke officiating. Burial will take place at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, (Hwy.# 21), Columbia Road, St. Matthews, SC. The casket will be placed in the gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service.

Master Sgt. Johnny Ray Jones was born 14 March 1954 in Calhoun County, SC, to Mr. and Mrs. Hercules (Adell) Jones. Johnny was the fourth child born of seven children. Johnny was an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. At an early age and throughout the years he was involved in various committees such as the Usher Board, United Methodist Men and Pastor Parrish Relations. He was most appreciated for his infinite works of praise as a singer on the Senior Choir.

Johnny graduated from St. Matthews High School in 1972 where he met his soul mate and best friend, Barbara (White) Jones. They were joined in holy matrimony on 18 January 1975 and had two daughters from their union. Upon his high school graduation, Master Sgt. Jones became an active duty member in the United States Air Force. In 1977, he received his Associate's Degree from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in Industrial Mechanics and taught mechanical classes until he joined the Air National Guard in 1978. He served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Fuel Operations for the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron from May 1978 until his demise. He served his country in numerous deployments, which included, but not limited to Turkey, Japan, Denmark, and a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Master Sgt. Johnny R. Jones gave diligent service to his country for 32 years.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 36 years, Barbara A. Jones; his two daughters: Tara (Chris) Nimmons of Columbia, SC, and Teqeia A. Jones of Rock Hill, SC; one grandson: Xavier E. Nimmons; his loving parents; four brothers: Calvin (Marilyn) Jones, Charles E. Jones, and Perry (Rosalyn) Jones all of St. Matthews, SC, and Wash A. Jones of Cypress, TX; two sisters: Delois (Fred) Glover and Ivy Bovian of Orangeburg, SC; a mentee and close friend: George Wilson; and a host of relatives, colleagues, and friends.

Visitation will take place Thursday, June 23, 2011, 2:00 p.m. â€' 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home, 2205 Liberty Street, St. Matthews, SC.

Friends may call the residence, 134 Bridal Wreath Drive, St. Matthews and the funeral home.

Messages of condolences may be sent to [email protected].

No visitation will be held at the residence following the funeral home visitation.

Services have been entrusted to Jenkins Funeral Home of St. Matthews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jun. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Jones

6 Entries

Bob Azarigian

June 28, 2011

My prayers are with you and your family. I was in total shock when I learned today, 6/28, of his passing. Word came to me via a member of the CTANG. I had the pleasure of working in the SCANG with Johnny for 4 years and knowing him for many years before through deployment to the base. After retiring from the guard, Johnny would call me at least several times a year to stay in touch, or to wish me and my family a happy holiday. Johnny was one of the nicest individuals I have met to date and certainly will be missed but not forgotten. May you rest in peace. Bob Azarigian McCormick,SC

Stanley B Hall

June 27, 2011

To My Dear Cousins

I was very saddened to learn of Johnny's death last night. While we didn't have the opportunity to spend much time together growing up, I will always have fond memories of the night he and his wife, and HAMPSTERS spent with us in Kalamazoo when he was discharged from the Air Force (while stationed in northern Michigan). I had only seen Johnny 2 or 3 times since then, but each time he greeted me with a huge smile and warmth that I will never forget.

As I read this orbituary and listened to Bernetha telling me how many people were at the funeral and the enormous expressions of love for Johnny, it makes me proud that he was my cousin.

While you will certainly feel a void in your lives, rejoice in the legacy Johnny has left and take comfort in the fact that he was a Christian and is now with The Lord, our Savior.

Peace and Blessings. Stan & Linda

June 23, 2011

My prayers are with you. I am proud to have served with Johnny for so many years and I am thankful for his service to our Country and our Lord. May God bless you and be with you each day. We will miss his warm smileing presence and the mentoring he so willingly gave to us all.

God Bless You,

Zane Wall

June 23, 2011

To the Jones Family:

Johnny and I were considered to be pretty good friends. He and I would often exchange stories about our career at McEntire. He has really been a champion of time. Representing those of us who may not have been able to speak for themselves on issues that would benefit all. He will be missed by many and we know that his Soul will rest in the hands of God.
Be Encouraged Family, Johnny lived a desirable and creditable like.

Sincerly,

Stan T. Seabrook

Curtiss McFadden

June 23, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Peter Palmer

June 23, 2011

Now Johnny, you can look down and laugh at us crazy americans wasting things. May you have found the peace you richly deserve...

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