George Jones

Type Obit Here   HALTOM CITY -- George Russell Jones came into this world July 23, 1931, in Linden. He departed this earthly chamber on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, in Grapevine at 78 years of age to behold the face of Jesus. Farene, his adoring wife of almost 58 years, was at his side as he succumbed to complications of a hip fracture.        Service: No visitation or public service will be held at this time.        Memorials: The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the Cancer Society.        Growing up in Linden in Cass County, George lived an idyllic life in the home of his parents, George H. and Opal Jones. As the handsome outgoing middle child, George was favored by his parents and adored his two siblings. Upon graduation from high school, George began work with the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Two years later, he married his hometown girl, Farene Brown. George's railroad career spanned 43 years beginning in 1949 with the Texas and Pacific Railroad. T&P merged with another entity and became Union Pacific and ultimately, Missouri and Pacific Railroad. Beginning as a pole climber and retiring as a signalman, George worked from West Texas to Louisiana until he won a bid on a position in Fort Worth where he and Farene have lived for well over 50 years. During much of this time, George served in a peer-elected position as general chairman of the Brotherhood of the Railroad Signalmen, allowing him and Farene to travel widely.        George's long and loving marriage to Farene produced two cherished sons, Loy Russell Jones and Mark Anthony Jones. The family was busily involved in the various programs at Riverside Baptist Church for 17 years. It was here that George came to know the love of Jesus Christ and take Him as his personal Savior. He found that he was particularly gifted at assisting others to understand the steps to salvation. His spiritual growth was marked by his election as a deacon and later, as chairman of the deacon body. In 1975, the family moved to North Richland Hills Baptist Church where Farene is actively involved and well loved.        A sportsman, George loved fishing, hunting and golf, exhibiting excellence in all three areas. The family laid down many wonderful memories vacationing at a "fish camp" in East Texas. The annual fish camp built a strong bond among several generations of the Jones family who loved to swap yarns about those good times. A people person until the very end, George's deep resonating voice, hearty laugh, and firm handshake made him a man to remember. And, indeed, he will be remembered and greatly missed.        George was preceded in death by his two adult sons, Loy Russell Jones of Texarkana and Mark Anthony Jones of Colleyville; parents, George H. and Opal Jones; brother, District Judge Guy E. Jones; and sister, Jeanette Byrd.        Survivors: Wife, Farene Brown Jones; daughter-in-law, Linda Wheat Jones; much-loved and only grandchild, Taylor Jones of Colleyville; favorite uncle, Marion "Funzy" Jones of Linden; brothers-in-law, Toby Byrd of Wills Point, Taylor Brown and James Brown of Linden, Sam Brown of Fort Worth; sisters-in-law, Angelia Jones of Texarkana and Nellie Brown of Linden; numerous nieces and nephews.        At a later time, the combined ashes of George and his two sons, Loy and Mark, will be scattered at a favorite family place in the Piney Woods of East Texas where many joyful memories were created. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George Jones please visit our Sympathy Store.