Raymond Gerald Jones

Raymond Gerald Jones was a successful Christian businessman who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, his friends and his country. He was the third son born to Ernest and Esther Beauchamp Jones. Gerald was born on July 7, 1928, near Huntington. He grew up in the Lufkin area with his family, including three brothers: Rudolph, Harold and James. He enjoyed an exciting childhood/youth as recounted many times by the four boys or their many lifelong friends.

He met the love of his life, Maxine Wade, in Lufkin, and even after sixty-one years of marriage still couldn't believe that "beautiful girl" loved him as much as he loved her. Gerald and Maxine were partners in business as well. He was an outstanding entrepreneur and she was a gifted office manager. They worked together to successfully organize and operate businesses in Pasadena, Nacogdoches and Lufkin. They gave countless hours and tremendous financial support to churches, missions and community projects to make our world a better place. They were charter members of churches in Pasadena and Nacogdoches.

Gerald served on many boards and chaired a number of them, including Cushing ISD Board of Education; Wesley College, Florence, Miss., Board of Education; and Security National Bank of which he was a founder.

Gerald leaves a legacy of charitable living and giving. For his outstanding contributions to the cause of Christ, he was awarded the honorary title of Doctor of Divinity by Wesley College in 2007.

Gerald enjoyed life. He especially enjoyed activities with his family. Vacations to the Colorado mountains were always made more memorable because of his "risk-taking" on narrow mountain roads. He was also a fearless competitor in games ranging from softball to Catch Phrase. At a Thanksgiving family reunion, he even dove into the end zone for a touchdown when nearing 80 years old. He was a past champion of the SFASU Alumni golf tournament. He also was a well-known 42 player, enjoying many games with the late Pete Smith and Paul Kendrick. He was an outstanding bass singer and enjoyed southern gospel music concerts for over 60 years.