Raymond Graham Jones died May 4, 2019, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by loving family. Ray was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 24,1933 to Cecil Jolly and Stanley Burton Jones. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Stanley Jones Jr., and sister, Helen Claxton and two grandsons, Emmett A. Jones and Jerrett D. Sullivan.
Ray attended the University of Kentucky graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was two-term president of his Sigma Nu Fraternity. Ray attended the Harvard School of Business Administration, 1966; the Wharton School of Business, 1976; and, National Security Management, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, 1975. He retired from The United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976, after twenty-three years of combined active & reserve service. A proud and passionate patriot, he proved through his leadership skills, that service to country had been his greatest education. Ray went on to serve as the General Manager of Hoerner Waldorf Corporation's Sand Springs, OK plant until 1975. He then managed corrugated box manufacturing companies in Houston, TX, Fullerton, CA., and San Diego, CA.
After a career change, Ray returned to Tulsa in 1982 with the Scott Rice Company. Shortly after joining, he was named President and managed multiple locations including Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Denver, Nashville and Memphis.
Some of Ray's recent and proudest moments were reconnecting with men and women he mentored at a very early stage in their careers. So many give credit to Ray for their personal achievements both in business and in life. His generous and nurturing management style
gave confidence to all he touched. He instilled a belief in those who worked with him that the rewards of self-motivated hard work plus a team spirit would make individuals and 'the company' successful. He never took anyone on his team for granted and attempted in all
cases, to be a genuine and true friend to all.
Ray and Martha Galt Henderson were married on Nov, 2, 1975. He forever changed her name and her life. To be known as 'His Sunshine' remains her greatest gift. Their marriage united a great group, affectionately known as, 'The Jones Gang.' Ruth Jones Horn, husband Steve, Hank Jones, wife Mary, Holly Henderson Williams, husband Mark, Laura Jones Polivka, husband Jay and Beth Jones Broach. He was proud to be an adoring 'Chief Papa' to nine beautiful grandchildren, Zak, Nisa, Amanda, Bobby, Jack, Christopher, Caleb, Graham and Maggie.
After his final retirement in 1997, Ray and Martha moved to Destin, Florida and added many new wonderful friends and memories along the Emerald Coast. As members of The Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach, Ray faithfully served on the board of Deacons.
Services will be held at the Memorial Park Chapel, 5111 So. Memorial, Tulsa, OK 74145, Friday, May 10th at 10:00 A.M.
A reception at the Wind River Club House, 11911 Quebec, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137 will follow the interment.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to:
Gary Sinise Foundation
<
https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org
>
(888) 708-7757 or by mail, download form off website.
Gary Sinise Foundation
P.O. Box 368
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
Donor Support Email:
donor@garysinisefoundation.org
Wounded Warrior Project
<
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
>
(855) 448-3997 or by mail download form off of <
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
>, scroll to bottom of page, it is above the address.
Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758517
Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517
Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233