Earl Ray Jones

Earl Ray Jones died on March 8, 2015 in Natchitoches, Louisiana after a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Dr. Ron Thompson officiating. Ray was born on April 11, 1936 in Pine Level, NC to Darius and Smithie Jones. He was Baptist by faith having joined Holly Springs Baptist church in Kenly, North Carolina. High school graduation occurred in Virginia from Cradock High School where he starred in football, baseball, and track. Music was also important to him during his adolescence and he and his sisters formed the "Jones Quartet" singing gospel songs in the vicinity of their home. Soon after he graduated high school Ray joined the United States Air Force serving his country during the Korean War. He later attended Northwestern State University and Centenary College. His career began with training to be a classifier on Air Force bases. After becoming a classifier on Air Force bases he was transferred to wage fixing authority where he later spent several years at the Pentagon. At the time of his retirement from federal service, he was director of a regional office in the personnel career field which encompassed the southeastern United States, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. He took early retirement in order to return to Louisiana as manager of an agency for employee development, training and job placement where he remained for ten years. He enjoyed a highly successful career while still participating in activities with his family, such as coaching Little League baseball, football, and scouting activities. Ray was predeceased by his parents; a son, Stuart "Chip" Jones; two brothers-in-law, Max Retherford and Louis d'Albertis. He is survived by a son, Darrell Ray Jones; three sisters, Evelyn Pittman and her husband L.A. of North Carolina, Laverne Retherford of Nebraska, and Doris d'Albertis of Florida; a very special great niece, Madison Demeo; and two great friends, Darrell Delcoure of Texas and Mrs. Alexa Boyette. The family wishes to thank Natchitoches Community Care and Hospice of Natchitoches for the excellent care he received. For those wishing to make memorials in Ray's name the family suggests making a donation to the Natchitoches Parish Veterans Memorial Park, P.O. Box 136, Natchitoches, LA, 71457-0136 or a charity of their choosing.