REV. DR. RAY JONES, JR

Rev. Dr. Ray Jones, Jr., age 81, slipped into the arms of his savior on November 22, 2024.

Ray graduated from Halls High School in Knoxville, TN, Carson Newman University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Doctorate of Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary.

Ray was the former pastor of Pond Run Baptist Church (Echols, KY), Ehrhardt Baptist Church (Ehrhardt, SC), Main Street Baptist Church (Lake City, TN) and Wise Baptist Church (Wise, VA), where he pastored for 27 years and affectionately called “the little red brick church in the county seat of Wise."

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Ray Jones, Sr. and Opal Jones, and his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Jones. Ray is survived by his son, Dwight Jones (Carolina), daughter Amy Bridges (John), grandchildren, Alexandra Lovell (Alex), Daniela Hammonds (Austin), DJ Jones, Martin Jones and Emily Bridges, and his great-grandsons, Milo and Oliver Lovell. He is also survived by his brothers, Doug Jones (Brenda), Greg Jones (Donna), Mark Jones (Debbie), Jeff Jones (Laura); nieces and nephews, Matthew Jones, Andrew Jones and Elizabeth Jones; and his brother-in-law, H.C. Sumter (Janice). Mimi, his faithful poodle companion of 13 years, was a beloved part of his life.

A funeral service will be held at Wise Baptist Church, Wise, VA, followed by interment at Wise Cemetery. Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days.