Rayford Jones, went to his Heavenly home on August 16, 2011 surrounded by his loved ones. Born to Annie V. and Clint Jones in Lockhart, Texas on December 14, 1939, Rayford attended Carver High School in Lockhart and excelled in many areas including: president of his class and of National Farmers of America and a member of the debate team. In 1959, he moved to Lincoln with his sister Bernice, and later helped raise four nieces and one nephew.
Rayford worked in the service and medical industries including jobs at Village Inn, Cornhusker Hotel, Russell Stover’s and Lancaster Manor. From 1963 – 1965 he served in the U.S. Army in Germany as a medical technician. His love for medicine grew out of his experiences in the military. In 2002, he received a B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Human Resources/Information Sciences, which was one of his proudest achievements. Rayford also volunteered as a counselor for the Veterans Administration and was a member of Lincoln City Church.
Rayford was known affectionately by many as Uncle and by his sister as Mannie. He was bright, loving, giving, witty, observant, disciplined, organized, very involved and strong willed. He loved his family, his country, being a veteran, Nebraska Football, music, people and education! Rayford knew no strangers and could talk to anyone. (We call it ‘working the room.’) Each week-end he would come over to his sister and brother-in-law’s house, sit in his favorite chair and watch whatever sports event were on TV. For the family, he was very giving and made many personal sacrifices. He came to every family activity and was very proud of his relatives…and we were proud of him!
He is preceded in death by his parents Annie V. and Clint Jones, his sister Alice Raye Jones, his aunt Rachel Woolridge, and his great nephew Joshua Church. Rayford will always be loved and remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Bernice and Obasi Onuoha. Nieces and nephews: Alice Bowling Wirth (Michael Wirth), Charles H. Bowling II, Bernice (Sue) Bowling Hill (Sonny Hill), Pamela Bowling Church (Merle Church), Pateath Bowling Herndon (Paul Herndon), Angelia Onuoha, Obasi John Onuoha, Oneike (Niki) Onuoha, and Natalie Wittman Onuoha. Great nieces and nephews: Michelle Wirth (Bryan Oekel), Jonathan Bowling (Kayti Bowling), Matthew Church, Tiffani Hill, Jordan Bowling, Christina Wirth-Hawkins (Craig Hawkins), Michael Church, Patea Hill, Daniel Church, Alison Hill, Cameron Hill, Adriea Herndon, Obasi Onuoha, Alexandria Herndon, Kennedy Onuoha, Vanessa Onuoha and Sylvia Onuoha. Great-great nieces and nephew: Mia Bowling, Zoey Bowling and Walker Jordan Bowling, along with a host of relatives and friends.
Rayford’s family wishes to thank family and friends for their prayers, visits, and love. Also Tabitha Health Services for their care.
Funeral services: 10 a.m., Saturday, 8/20, Lincoln City Church, 5001 South 1st Street, Rev. John Onuoha officiating. Burial: Wyuka Cemetary.
Visitation: Friday, 8/19, Roper & Sons , 4300 ‘O’ Street from 5-8 p.m