Ollie C. Jones

He was born on March 14, 1929, in Laredo, Texas and lived a life of service to his family, country and school children throughout the State of Texas.

Ollie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tommye Jean Jones; children Terry Jones (wife Leticia); Rick Jones; Tim Jones and Ken Jones (wife Amy); grandchildren Robert (Jodie), Michelle (Frank), Jen (Cody), Kari (Kevin), Laura (Colt), Zach, Nich, Ryan (Karla), Jessica, Matt, Josh; and great grandchildren Meagan, Chelsea, Jarrett, Alannah, Cameron, Riley, Emma, Paisley, Harper, and Kollin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Gwendolyn Sheri Jones and great granddaughter McKenna.

Ollie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1966, receiving an honorable discharge as Master Sergeant with an Expert Infantry Badge. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star with V for Valor and a Purple Heart from his service during the Korean Conflict, a Korean Presidential Medal, and United Nations Occupation Medal. He also received an Asiatic/Japan Occupation Medal for his service in World War II.

A dedicated public servant, Ollie never met a stranger as he visited school districts throughout Texas providing member services for the Teacher Retirement System. He retired from TRS as the Director of Member Accounts after more than 35 years. Throughout his professional career he served in various leadership positions in support of public education including serving on the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Business Officials, and as president from 1988-89, and named a Life Member in 2005.

Ollie was involved in local education efforts as well, serving as a Trustee for the Leander ISD School Board for six years (1983-89) and an active Member of the Leander High School Athletic Booster Club.

Some of the other organizations Ollie actively supported and participated in included Austin Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Life Member after 50 years of continuous membership); Williamson County Appraisal District (Board of Directors), and Balcones Little League (Founding Board Member). He and Tommy were active members of the Promenaders square dancing group for 30 years. He participated in a Walk to Emmaus and was a member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church for more than 40 years.

Services will be Monday, April 17 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Road, Austin. A gathering with the family begins at 1:00 p.m. and the service begins at 2:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ollie’s memory, please make donations to St. John’s United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.