Walter Ray Jones

Walter Ray Jones, 95 of Tyler, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in Tyler. He was born on February 15, 1925 in Jacksonville, TX to Walter Graves Jones and Beulah Mae Stegall Jones. He was the third born of four children.

At a very early age, Ray knew he wanted to be a Marine and a day after he was legally able to enter the Marine Corp, Ray did and traveled and lived all over the world during his 30 year career in the Marine Corp. Walter participated in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam; he could also tell you from memory all the dates and places he was deployed to; places like, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Mariana Islands, Kwajalein, Guam, Frankford, Okinawa, Kwang Tree, Cherry Point and Washington, D.C., retiring as a 1st Sergeant, Ray served as a Marine Corp Legal Specialist when not in combat. After retirement Ray joined the teaching staff of University of North Carolina, establishing their first Sea Grant Program and maintaining that program for 8 years before retiring again to move back to Texas to be near family.

Walter was an active United Methodist. He was a scout leader and church board member in New Bern, North Carolina. In Tyler he was a member of Cedar Street United Methodist. Ray served in many Board positions at Cedar Street, and enjoyed fixing breakfast once a month for the membership.

Ray's hobbies included fishing and gardening. Even in the later stages of illness, Ray kept a tomato garden and enjoyed the science of growing the biggest, sweetest tomatoes in Tyler. Ray was a member of the Tyler Elks Lodge where he served in many positions from cook to president.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his older brother, Billy, his younger sister, Wanda Cox. Also preceding him in death was his first wife Olie and their daughter Raeanna of New Bern, North Carolina. His sister Grace Willis survives him.

Ray and his wife, Rev. Dr. Karen Jones want to thank church members and friends for their help during his extended illness; especially Dr. Kenneth Cushman, Dr. James McAndrews, Cleta Shine, Pat Boyse and Ola Muse. To the crew at DeHaven Eye Care, you'll never know how often Ray was with you, even on his sickest days.

Visitation will be held form 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 22 at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 23 at the funeral home, with Rev. Marlin Fenn, Rev. Gerry Giles and Rev. Allen Van Hooser officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Street Methodist Church, 1420 N. Church, Tyler, TX 75702 or The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.