Raymond Benedict Jones, Jr.

  Raymond (Ray) Benedict Jones, Jr., age 93, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024. Born February 21, 1931, in Syracuse, New York, to parents, Ray B. Jones, Sr. and Louise Claire Jones. The family soon relocated to Houston, Texas and then to Fort Worth, Texas. 

  He attended Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth. While there, Ray played football and was part of the 1948 District championship team. 

  In 1948 he joined the United States Navy. Serving two tours of duty, he was a flight engineer on PBM Seaplanes, flying missions in the Philippines during the Korean War. He received several decorations including the Air Medal. 

  While studying at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Millington, Tennessee, he met Annie Laura Kelley from Memphis, Tennessee, and they married in 1954. 

  After discharge from the Navy, he attended the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Transportation. 

  In 1956, he began a 31-year career at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas, advancing through management to become the Director of Material. He received multiple awards for his groundbreaking work in computerizing the inventory system, including the General Dynamics President’s Award. Ray was a former president of the Aerospace/Defense group of the American Production & Inventory Control Society, and was honored as Boss of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association. 

  After retiring from General Dynamics, he enjoyed a successful second career with Ernst & Young, contributing to Northrop's B-2 bomber and F/A 18 Hornet programs. He later co-founded Technology Solutions Company (TSC), an aerospace consulting firm. 

  In his leisure time, Ray coached Little League football and served as a Junior Achievement advisor. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed catching large fish in Alaska and Mexico. Ray was a passionate football fan, especially of his beloved Texas Longhorns. In his later retirement, he cherished spending time at the lake home, working on his ranch, hunting, fishing, and being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

  Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Weatherford and participated in the Open Door Sunday School Class. 

  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Annie Laura, the love of his life, who provided stability for the family and was a talented musician. He is also survived by his children: Kelley Jones and his wife, Yvonne in Louisville, Tennessee; Kevin Jones and his wife, Regina in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; and Kalynne Henson and her husband, Danny in Weatherford, Texas. Additionally, he leaves behind grandchildren, Kale Henson, Keaton Henson, Keith Jones, and Kara Hardin; as well as great-grandchildren, Aiden Jones, Kaiden Hardin, Korbin Hardin, and Damien Jones. 

  Ray was preceded in death by brothers, Jerry B. Jones and Richard C. Jones; father, Ray B. Jones, Sr.; and mother, Louise Claire Jones. 

  A memorial service will be held November 2, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 222 West Church Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.