Rayford (Brown) Jones

Raymond E. (Brown) Jones, 90, of Mildred, Texas passed away on August 4, 2008. He was born on September 5, 1917 and was the youngest of twelve children born to Columbus Lee and Lillie Ann Jones. he lived his entire life in Navarro County, leaving only to serve his country in World War II as a member of the famous 36th division of the United States Army. Sgt. Jones was overseas for more than four years, having served in Africa, Germany, Italy and France. He married the late Mary Lou O'Daniel of Corsicana on December 29, 1945. They were married for over 41 years. Brown served as Deputy Sheriff of Navarro County after returning home from his military service. He was a farmer and rancher, living his life on the family homeplace doing what he loved. Part of his time was also spent working in the oilfields of Navarro County. Brown served his community as a member of the school board at Mildred I.S.D., and as an election judge for the community of Mildred. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Mildred Baptist Church for over 45 years and also served as a deacon. Brown graduated from Mildred High School, was voted King of MHS and was a member of Mildred's first football team. He always said that he "played in and saw his first football game". Being an avid sports fan, he always supported Mildred sports as well as watching his children and grandchildren play ball as long as he was able. Most Sunday afternoons were spent playing baseball in the front yard with his children and later his grandchildren. Brown enjoyed having coffee and visiting with his friends, family gatherings, attending horse shows with his daughters on Saturday afternoons, watching sports, and teaching his sons how to fun a farm. Brown was preceded in death by his beloved wife, son Rocky Jones and grandson Eric Asby. Brown is survived by his children and their families: Kathy and Thomas Guidry of Rusk, Ann and Mike Asby of Centerville, Ginny and Kenny Folmar of Eureka and Rusty Jones of Mildred. Grandchildren include: Judd and Amy Guidry, Morgan Guidry, Brad Guidry, Ameron and Carin Asby, Marcus and Megan Asmy, Jeffrey Asby, Laura and Stuart Smith; Emily and Nolan Nahidi, Megan Folmar, Mikayla Jones and Talli and Tyler Russell. Great-grandchildren include Lily Smith and Walker Smith. Visitation will be held at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Service will be Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., at the Mildred Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Neal officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Corsicana. Brown's grandsons and Buddy Smith will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to thank Ruby Jennings for her devoted care and love shown to our father.