Johnnie Ray Jones, 85, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at the residence of his daughter, Pam.
He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps stationed in Korea.
He was an accountant and later worked as a pipefitter for Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear power industry. He was a member of Local Union No. 43 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Johnnie Ray was also a Mason and Shriner, and a member of Montgomery Masonic Lodge No. 426.
He was of the Baptist faith.
He was the son of the late Sherron D. and Sophia Holbrook Jones, and husband of the late Rozell Sutherland Jones, who died Feb. 18, 2012.
Surviving are three daughters, Pam Lovingood and husband Dwight of Murphy, Kimberly McMillan and husband Charlie of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Shawna Jones Dailey of Murphy; a sister, Ruth Jones Harris of Norcross, Ga.; two grandsons, Jared and Logan McMillan; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Carroll Weaver and Eddie Hardin officiating. The inurnment was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Swanson Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, and the Marine Corps League Cherokee Detachment 1011.
The family received friends from 5-6:45 p.m. Monday at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
Masks and social distancing was greatly appreciated by the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Johnnie Ray Jones to Swanson Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Andy Ware, 21 Annie Jones Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.