Gary Ray Jones

Gary Ray Jones, age 75, a longtime resident of Ozark, Arkansas passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, while in the loving care of his Greenhurst Nursing Center family in Charleston, Arkansas. Gary made his entry to the kingdom of heaven with family by his side. Gary was born at Pillstrom Hospital in Altus, Arkansas on September 28, 1947, and was the youngest of three children born to Noble Manson and Lois Cagle Jones. He was the only boy with two older sisters, who protected and closely watched over their little brother for a lifetime. Gary was a 1965 graduate of Ozark High School. In 1969, he entered the United States Navy where he served for four years with nearly all his time as active duty in the Vietnam War on the USS Midway. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. After his military career, Gary completed coursework at Westark Community College and College of the Ozarks and worked various jobs. He was a shipping and receiving supervisor at Whirlpool in Fort Smith, Arkansas for many years. Gary was also a member of the Church of Christ in Ozark. Gary had an infectious smile and a personality that made him loved by all that knew him. He enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, fishing, hunting, gardening, sweet treats and smiling while being notoriously late for family functions. He was witty and known at Greenhurst as the “Chick Magnet” because of his pleasant, friendly and kind nature. The nurses and aides called him GarBear, shortened over time from calling him Gary Bear. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by two loving and dedicated sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley Rickard and husband Gene of Mulberry, Arkansas and Sue Morris and husband Glen of Cecil, Arkansas; and one remaining and loving aunt, Mary Cagle Askins of Paris, Arkansas. Gary is also survived by one niece, Kristi Rickard Robertson and husband Jerry of Lamar, Arkansas; two nephews, Greg Morris and wife Chris and David Morris and wife Sandra all of Cecil, Arkansas; six great- nephews, Nathaniel Robertson and wife Jerica, Ben Robertson, Brad Morris, Andrew Morris, Tyler Morris and Kelvin Morris and wife Abbie; one great-niece, Kelsea Morris DeArmond and husband Garrison; two step great-nephews, Josh Thomas and Jaylan Thomas; three great-great-nephews, Hunter Morris, Maddix Morris and Deacon Morris; four great-great-nieces, Alayna DeArmond, Amelia DeArmond, Alivia DeArmond and Naomi Morris; and multiple treasured cousins from the Cagle family, including Debby Cravens, who faithfully stayed by Gary and his sisters’ sides during the last week at Greenhurst. Visitation will be Monday, April 17th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Funeral service will follow visitation Monday at 2:00 PM at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark with C.A. Kuykendall officiating and burial afterwards at Highland Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Gary’s great-nephews, Nathaniel, Ben, Brad, Andrew and Kelvin and great-niece, Kelsea and her husband Garrison will serve as pallbearers.

Gary Ray Jones

September 28, 1947 - April 14, 2023