Billy Ray Jones

Billy Ray Jones, 79, of Houston, Texas, passed away Thursday January 27, 2011 at Cinco Ranch Golf Club in Katy, Texas. Bill was born on January 31, 1931 and grew up in Mulkeytown, Illinois. He graduated from Christopher High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, in 1955, where he played baseball. Bill enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War. Immediately following college he was drafted into the Minor Leagues for the Chicago Cubs.

Bill returned to Carbondale, Illinois where he began a successful 34-year career with IBM. Early in his career he helped pioneer the concept of selling electric typewriters, and upon retirement he was selling advanced technology to the Johnson Space Center. He was recognized for his outstanding sales achievement by earning the 100 percent club award almost every year that he was employed by IBM, also achieving the prestigious Golden Circle award from IBM at least 5 times in his career.

Bill raised his family in Belleville, Illinois, and eventually retired in Houston, Texas. He loved being a member of the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church and was involved in the leadership of the Men’s Ministry and the Men of Action Golf Tournament. Bill and his wife, Judy, were also very involved in Prison Ministry and as well as other various community ministries.

Bill loved playing basketball in his early years and had a passion to serve with The Little Knights Football Club that his sons played in. He was always an avid golfer and passed away playing the game he so loved, suffering a heart attack after the last putt of his last round of golf.

Bill is survived by his wife Judy, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his sons Stephen Jones of Houston, Texas, Mark Jones and wife Sheryl of Phoenix, Arizona, Kevin Jones of Houston, Texas and Kent Jones and wife Beverly of McAllen, Texas; his daughter Melanie Davidson and husband John of Houston, Texas; and his grandchildren Stephen, Alec, Callie, Lauren, Brittanie, Trent and Paige Jones, Kyle and Kelsey Davidson. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lydia Mae and Donald Curtis Jones; his brother Norman Jones; his step-daughter Tina Haberer Weiss.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 until 8 PM on Monday, January 31, 2011 in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079, with Dr. Chuck Simmons, officiating. A graveside service and committal will follow in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bill Jones Memorial Fund, c/o Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079.