Garriett L. "Buck" "Gary" Jones

Garriett “Gary” Leo Jones, of Sherwood, Arkansas and affectionately known as “Buck” to his Jonesboro family and friends, departed his earthly home Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at the age of 76. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on March 2, 1944 to Armour and Arelia Juanita Jones.

Gary grew up playing baseball and basketball. After attending Nettleton High School, Gary was offered the opportunity to play minor league baseball, though was ultimately unable to, for which he would forever regret. Gary then enlisted in the military where he served in the United States Navy, United States Army, and Army National Guard. Gary received his Associate’s Degree from Vincennes University in Indiana. He was also employed by the General Electric Corporation of Jonesboro for a period of time. Gary loved his country. He was a true patriot and a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He grew up attending church with his family at the Bible Hour Tabernacle in Jonesboro. Gary was a former, longtime member of the North Little Rock Elk’s Lodge #1004, where he held local and state-level officer positions.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Pat Mathis Jones of Sherwood, AR; sisters, Arelia Merritt of Millington, TN, Bernice (Don) Robertson of Lakeville, MN, Janice Lumpkin of Springdale, AR, and his twin Harriett “Ludy” (Ron) Jorgenson of Apple Valley, MN; son, Eddie (Dayna) of Van Buren, AR; grandchildren, Blake (Jessica) Jones, Adam Jones, Emily (Zach) Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Piper, Aspen, Emma, and Karen; sister-in-laws Rita Jones of Trussville, AL, Barbara Jones of Lincoln, AL; special brother-in-law and sister-in law, Pat and Donna Prock of Sherwood, AR; special niece, Danna “Roo” (Garrett) Shaffer of Austin, AR; special nephew, Matt Raeburn of Vilonia, AR; special great-nieces, his “little girlfriends” Keeley and Saylor Shaffer; special great-nephews, his “pals” Jordan Lee, and Caden and Clayton Raeburn, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death and welcomed in heaven by his parents Armour Jones and Arelia Juanita Jones Chambers; brothers Vernon Jones, Rev. Jimmy Jones, and Harold Jones; and great-grandson, Sawyer Edward Jones.

Gary was a dedicated servant to the Lord and devoted to his family. He loved family gatherings and had a special place in his heart for the children in his life. He would often greet them by asking “you got the flying epizoodie?”, even though we never really knew exactly what that was! We could always count on him to have some of the funniest one-liner phrases that we still laugh about today. Gary adored his nieces and nephews and was a huge part of their lives. He was one of the most generous, kind, funny and compassionate men you would ever meet. Gary would humbly be the first to help out in a time of need. He had a way of giving those close to him their very own unique nickname that would stick with them for years to come. Gary enjoyed watching Arkansas Razorbacks baseball, football, and basketball on TV. He would wear his Vietnam Veteran ball cap everywhere he went. Gary had a major sweet tooth and was known for always having junk food within an arm’s reach or candy in his pocket. He felt great joy in sending the kids home with treats or money for their piggy banks. Gary took pleasure in working jigsaw puzzles and word searches in his free time. In recent years, his favorite pastime was cruising Facebook and sharing posts that struck an interest to him. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A graveside funeral service, with military honors, will take place Tuesday, August 25th at 3:00 p.m. at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood, AR with Rev. Kevin Spurlin officiating.