Arnold Ray Jones

Arnold Ray “Red” Jones, 83, of Laurel, MS, went home peacefully to be with Jesus on Friday, July 17, 2026, at his home with his wife and family by his side. Red was born on April 8, 1943, in Laurel and was a lifelong resident of Jones County. His work often took him to different areas of the country, but nothing made him happier than to see the Jones County line when he got back home. Red attended Lamar Elementary School where he was the self-declared “King of the Playground”. He graduated in 1964 from Shady Grove High School. He loved to tell the stories of actually driving a school bus route as a student and the many antics that he and his riders shared. One of his more memorable honors was that he excelled in high school football under the direction of Coach Morris Brown. Red honorably served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserve. Red began working at an early age by delivering newspapers on his bicycle for the Times Picayune. His career in the oilfield included being a driver for Schlumberger, an inspector for Smith International Drilco, and eventual owner of Jet Inspection Service. Following his career in the oilfield, Red transitioned into a very active retirement spending 13 years serving his community through his own lawn care business. At the age of 30, he met the love of his life, Janice, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. They raised a family of four children, embracing the lively, unpredictable, and often challenging adventures of their blended life. Through every storm and celebration, they created a deeply bonded family. Their final conversation was a perfect reflection of their marriage. Janice spent time thanking Red for the life they shared, and after pouring out her heart to him, he looked at her with a gentle smile and simply said, “You’re welcome.” Red was preceded in death by his parents Hilmon and Christine Jones; son Shane Jones; brothers Charlie Jones and Jimmy Dale Jones; son-in-law Russell J. Logan; and precious angel grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife Janice; son Shawn Jones; daughters LeAnn (Terry) McLaurin and Missy (Robert) Crane; Papa’s grandchildren Erin (Jonathan), Shayne, Sarah (Jay), Shawna (Eddie), Westley (Jaime), Nathan (Kaitlyn), Abby (Tanner), Trevor, Sidnee, Allyson (Matt), Emily (David), Melanie; Papa’s great-grandchildren Jonas, Everleigh, Christian, Addison, Lennon, Harper, Avery, Tyler, Cayden, Kameron, Asher, Callum, Sophia, Hayden, Cole, Noah, Fisher, Finley, and Foster; sister Peggy Sheffield; a host of nieces and nephews…and his feline fur-friend, Baby. The family members wish to express their deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team at Heart of Hospice. The compassion, dignity, and gentle guidance brought immense comfort to Red and our entire family. Serving as pallbearers will be Trevor Watkins, Nathan Crane, Tanner Brinkley, Jonathan Rayburn, Bill Hilbun, and Mike Sheffield. Honorary pallbearers include Larry Robinson, Mike Jordan, Al Garrick, and Wayne Limerick. Red was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church. A service to honor and celebrate his life and faith will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Brother Bill Blair will be officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Gardens Cemetery. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Arnold Ray Jones

April 8, 1943 - July 17, 2026