JONES, E. Ray, 82, Clearwater, passed away on September 13, 2010. Ray was born in Loyall, KY, on November 28, 1927, to Doris and Thomas Jefferson Jones. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in June 1947, and a journey with God began. Preaching with no training until the fall of 1947, Ray entered Cincinnati Bible Seminary in September of that year. While in Seminary, he continued to preach in local ministries in Springville, IN and Anderson Ferry Christian Church in Cincinnati. For two years he served as a full -time evangelist. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Betsy Baesler. They were married in January of 1953, while he served as the Preaching Minister of Maxwell Street Christian Church in inner city Lexington, KY. The church grew and was relocated and established as Gardenside Christian Church. While in Lexington, his daughter and son, Terre and Larry, were born.
In 1963, Ray became the Senior Minister of East 38th Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he served for ten years. While in Indianapolis, he was introduced to international ministry and world missions. He spoke to communities in Australia in 1970, and was the national speaker for the New Zealand Christian Churches. He visited and spoke to missions in Italy and various parts of Africa. In 1986, he and his wife Betsy returned to New Zealand to dedicate a Christian Service Ranch for children and adults. While in Indianapolis, his son, Stuart, was born.
In 1973, Ray became the senior minister of First Christian Church of Clearwater, FL, where he ministered for 23 years. During his time in Indianapolis and Clearwater, Ray began to teach in the Graduate Schools at Cincinnati Bible Seminary and Kentucky Christian College. In 1976, Ray served as President of the North American Christian Convention. Following his retirement from First Christian Church, he continued to speak and lead in revivals, retreats and interim ministries.
Ray Jones wrote a number of Bible School lessons and articles for the Christian Standard and Lookout. He authored Sermons for the Space Age, A Funeral Manual for Ministers and Lectures for Ministers. For his many accomplishments as a preacher, lecturer, and Christian Statesman, he was honored by KCC with the D.D. degree and by Cincinnati Bible Seminary as Distinguished Servant. He was also recognized for his attainments and distinguished service to our Lord Jesus Christ and awarded the degree of Litter arum Doctor at the California Graduate School of Theology. Ray was a Kentucky Colonel.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Betsy Jones; daughter, Terre (Dennis) Holland, sons, Larry (Jane) Jones and Stuart (Stacia) Jones; 6 grandchildren: Ryan (Kim), Nathan, Kendall, Laura, Camden and Emery. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of Morton Plant Rehab for their loving care. A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 17, 11 am, First Christian Church of Clearwater. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cincinnati Christian University, designated for the "E. Ray and Betsy Jones Endowment Scholarship Fund," 2700 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45204. www.mossfeasterclearwater.com
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