Ray Jones

Ray B. Jones 1925 ~ 2009 Our brother, uncle and friend, Ray Barnett Jones, passed away August 7, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born April 19, 1925 in Magna, Utah to Ebenezer M. and Lucy Jones, he grew up in the towns of Malad and Pleasant View, Idaho and Hunter, Utah, developing close friendships with his extended family. Ray was an active member of the LDS Church and served missions in the northeastern states and Switzerland/Austria. Fluent in German, while on his mission, he interpreted for President David O. McKay during the Swiss Temple dedication ceremonies. He loved reminiscing about his mission experiences. From his youth he had a passion for the stage and appeared in many local productions and LDS films. However, his friends and colleagues will remember Ray best as the gifted speech, drama and debate instructor at Provo High School where he taught for 30 years. His students were involved extensively in speech and drama competitions, consistently seizing top honors. Ray also judged high school Shakespeare competitions, and one of the awards was named for him. Many students who acted in his prize-winning Shakespeare plays became his lifelong friends, and several have pursued careers in the theater. Together with colleagues from Provo High, Ray hosted summer student tours throughout Europe for many years. As a result, he developed a vast knowledge of all things European and became an authority on the history and culture of England. Nothing pleased him more than a good conversation about the monarchy of Great Britain. Ray was a talented speaker and master story-teller, regularly entertaining a wide array of audiences with his wit and intriguing life experiences. He was blessed with a remarkable memory and became the repository for family stories and history, stemming from his association with his family in his childhood in Idaho and Utah. Ray is survived by his brothers, Earl B. (Maude) Jones and Bernell B. (Gloria) Jones, both of Salt Lake City; 7 nephews; 2 nieces; and many great-nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eldon M. Jones. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where viewings will be held Monday, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, 11-11:45 a.m. prior to services. In lieu of flowers, Rays family suggests donations be made to the Utah Shakespearean Festival, of which Ray was an ardent supporter. When my cue comes, call me, and I will answer. William Shakespeare