Ray Jones

William Raymond Jones died peacefully on October 29, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He was 86 years old. Ray was born on January 12, 1938, to Harry Alvis and Sloma Mae Jones. He grew up in Tarrant City and Alabaster, Alabama, and attended Thompson High School where, among other achievements, he was a football and baseball star. He matriculated to Alabama College, which he attended from 1956-1960. There, in addition to gaining a college education, he met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Walker. They married in 1960 and began a love-filled journey of service and fun together which lasted until Barbara’s death in 2017. Ray and Barbara were the doting parents of one son, Bill, who sadly died after a long illness in 2019.

Ray began his career as a social studies teacher and assistant coach in Decatur, Alabama, working for several schools and expanding his talents far beyond the classroom. He was a pioneer in the use of video-related educational aids while working in Decatur, and his expertise in film technology and use eventually landed him at the Alabama Department of Education in Montgomery, where he innovatively served the state for 29 years until his retirement in 1998. Ray was very proud that during his career, he was actively involved in filming and preserving many major historical events in Alabama particularly during the George Wallace era, and he was a walking encyclopedia of state historical information.

In addition to his professional accolades, Ray was a connoisseur of music, with a special love for the jazz, blues, and Americana genres. Listening to and recording music was always an important part of his life and beginning with his board participation in the Alabama Jazz and Blues Federation from its inception, he was instrumental in bringing live music to Montgomery and supporting local musicians. He also had a deep love of politics and fought all his life to make this world a better place. Every person had value in Ray’s view and every person should be accepted, respected, and protected.

Ray never met a stranger and most of the people he met became his lifelong friend. If you ever encountered Ray, you walked away with a smile richer for the experience of having shared a conversation with him. It was said of Barbara, “If she met you, you were a friend for life. Not a Facebook friend, a real friend.” The same can be said for Ray.

Ray was preceded in death by Barbara, Bill, his parents and their in-laws, sister Patricia, and Aunt Sophie and Uncle Skipper. He is survived by his beloved niece, Tammy Zempel and her sons Tucker and Taylor, nephew Robert (Erinn) and children Everett, Karcher and Jovie, cousin "Texas" Bill Jones, and brother-in-law Tom Walker. He is also survived by a multitude of friends that could fill up a phone book if named individually. Ray used to say, “We are what we are and we do what we do”. Ray was very good and he did very good. He will be sorely missed but always remembered with love.

Ray and Barbara loved Alabama College and remained active alumni throughout their lives. Ray served as a president of the Alabama College Alumni Association and participated in a ceremony changing the name to the University of Montevallo in March 1969. In lieu of flowers, Ray requested that memorials be made to the University of Montevallo : https://montevallo.edu/jones-scholarship/ or by mail:

University of Montevallo Foundation

Station 6215, Meroney House

Montevallo, AL 35115

Attn: Barbara Jones Scholarship

A celebration of life memorial service for Ray will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109.