Raymond R. Jones

Raymond R. Jones, beloved husband, father and grandfather, left his earthly pain behind and walked into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.  Ray was born on January 31, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Robert and Lillian Jones.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 38 years, Carole; his children, Keith (Sherry) Jones, Michael (Karen) Anderson, and Stacy (Dan) Ross; his grandchildren, Neil, Nathan, Lee, and Sam; brother from another mother, Bill (Wendy) Langer; sister-in-law, Vicki Langer; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Robert Jr. and Denny.

Out of high school, Ray proudly served in the United States Navy.  When his service was over, he spent 37 years in various positions from lineman through management with Illinois Bell.  Even after retiring, he was not one to sit still.  He continued to work for a few years with Rockwell International.  Once he was officially retired, Ray and Carole moved to Loves Park, IL from the suburbs where they quickly became involved volunteering with numerous organizations including the senior division of Americore, the American Red Cross, and many activities within Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, including serving as a trustee for a number of years.  Ray also spent time working with students within the Rockford Public School district.

In his spare time, Ray loved doing projects around the house and helping friends and family do the same.  Many have said that if you needed a tool for a job or did not know how to fix something, Ray was the person to call.  More than anything, what Ray loved most was being with his family.  Whether it was going out to eat and traveling with Carole, who he lovingly referred to as blue eyes, helping his kids with anything they needed, or watching his grandkids do the things they loved; from Neil playing worship music at church, Lee and Sam performing in choral and theatrical productions, or Nathan earning his saber with Royal Rangers.  If he was with his family, he was a happy man.  Ray was a faithful man who loved the Lord with every fiber of his being.  Anyone who spent time with him never said goodbye to him without hearing the words, "Have a blessed day."

Visitation will be from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, May 1, 2023 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Funeral service will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 2, in Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61107 with a visitation beginning at 9:00am.  A private burial will take place at a later time in Elmhurst, IL.  Memorials may be made in Ray's name to Mount Olive Lutheran Church where good work can continue to happen there in his memory. 

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