Larry Donnell Jones

Larry Donnell Jones was born June 26,1961 in Chicago, Illinois. Larry’s parents were Charlie Morris Jones and Amanda Jane Jones. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio. Larry attended Mayfair Elementary, Kirk Jr. High and graduated from Shaw High School. After high school, Larry attended Airco Technical School and earned a certification in Welding.

Larry moved to Austin in 2008 and started employment with Rutledge Mfg. as a Welder. While working there his love for hot rods, and car shows were awakened to his enjoyment. Larry enjoyed participating in the Make A Wish fundraisers, and many car shows. During this employment Larry developed and kept a close friendship with Floyd Rutledge and Johnnie Skaggs. Larry also worked for Capital Metro Transit until news of his medical diagnosis.

Larry met his wife Claudia Jones in 2009 and they were married September 7,2013. Larry was sometimes called “Chocolate Kiss” by his wife Claudia. Larry’s grandson Mathis would call him “Black Eagle” and Larry would call him “Little Black Eagle”. Larry’s stepdaughters called him, “Mr. Larry”. Black Eagle originated from a commercial they were both watching and Mathis asked Larry about the bird in the commercial thus “Black Eagle” was born. During visits you would hear them saying “Hi Black Eagle” Larry would reply “What’s going on Little Black Eagle”

Larry was a devoted, kind, and loving husband to his wife Claudia. Larry took care of her even to his end. Larry was very proud of his step daughters. Larry was really proud and excited when his youngest step daughter Audrea, graduated high school, dressed for prom night, and for all her birthdays, even to the last birthday this September.

Larry attended National American University with a major in Pharmacy for a year. But, his real passion was Photography. Larry really wanted to be a Photographer. Larry had an eye for things we see, but take for granted each day. Larry took pictures of everything he could. Larry would reflect back, to the moments in each photo, and recapture what made that moment special to him. Larry loved taking photos of hot rods, cars shows, plants, his family, his welding creations and himself. Larry loved and was amazed with rainbows, sunsets, sunrises, moonlight and thunderstorms.

Larry will leave behind to cherish his memories to his wife Claudia Jones, stepdaughters Audrea Brown-Arnold, Alyse Brown-Underwood and Camilla Brown. His sister Cynthia Jones, niece Takeisha Jones, nephews Charles Speer, Katrell Childs and great niece ReAnna Jones and great nephew Regiis Jones Jr. and a host of friends.