Billy Ray Jones, 84, passed away on November 14, 2017, in Marshall, Harrison County, Texas.

Bill was born October 21, 1933, in Houston, Texas, to Ray Jones and Effie Bell Parks Jones. He graduated from Delight, Arkansas High School and attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, serving in Korea and Japan.

Bill was not a farmer, but he loved his farm in Scottsville, Texas, especially his old blue and yellow tractor. He also loved "Big Orange", the Kubota tractor given to him by special nephew, Lance Jackson.

Bill was employed by Alcoa for nearly 30 years, the last several years being here at the facility in Marshall. He was transferred here from the facility in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1968.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean Jones O'Dell Hageman. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley, of Marshall; his brother, Bob Jones (Jackie) of Farmerville, Louisiana; beloved niece, Dr. Kimberly Jones Jackson (Lance) and great-nieces Ashley and Sara Jackson, all of Bossier City, Louisiana; and special friends Sharon Jones of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Ron Francis of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sharon Heyman and Judy Moles of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Sue Argabrite of West Virginia; and by brothers-in-law Carl Argabrite of West Virginia, Bruce Brown and Rick W. James of North Carolina; and by several nieces and nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Marshall, 501 Indian Springs Road, Marshall, Texas 72672. Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary of Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 17, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be at Downs Funeral Home on Thursday, November 16, from 6-8 p.m. Interment will be at Ewing Chapel Cemetery on Rosborough Springs Road following the funeral service. The services will be officiated by Pastor William "Rusty" Rustenhaven III and Pastor Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick. Bill was a longtime member of this church.