Garland H. "Gary" Jones

Obituary Notice

Garland H. " Gary " Jones, age 53, of Little Rock died on Friday, June 24, 2005. He was born on June 1, 1952 in Fort Smith, AR to the late Garland and Myrtle Lancaster Jones. He graduated High School in El Dorado, AR and college from Hendrix College in Conway. He taught school in the Little Rock School District for many years and later worked as an Insurance Agent with Allstate Insurance.

He is survived by his two sons, Garland H. "Casey" Jones and Robert "Bobby" Werner Jones; two sisters, Betty Linda Nolan of El Dorado, AR and Suzanne Perry of Providence, RI; one niece, Carrie Nolan Koch of Dallas, TX, three nephews, Robert C. Nolan Jr. of Tuscaloosa, AL, Dr. Justin M. Nolan of Fayetteville, AR, and Brett Perry of Fairhaven, MA.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham, Little Rock, AR at 2:00PM today followed by a reception. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Arkansas National Affiliate , 1 Lile Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Register Book

 

  • Jamie D. Hazlewood
    Little Rock, Arkansas

 

  • To the Family of Gary Jones: I will not be able to attend the memorial service today because of a previous doctor's appointment. But, when I read the announcement last week, and again today, I was just stunned. Gary and I attended Hendrix together and I remember when he thought about becoming a doctor.

    However, my best memory will be the night that he literally helped to save my college career. I had done poorly on an English History test (a major course for both of us), and after studying for the final was convinced that I was going to fail. I was walking through the Student Union and saw Gary. He noticed my demeanor, asked what was wrong, and I told him. He told me to sit down, we started sharing cigarettes and information, and in the course of two or three hours outlined the entire course in incredible detail. I not only made an A on the final, but the grade was so good the professor gave me a B for the course instead of the C that appeared the highest possible grade I could make.

    What was interesting about the outline is that I supplied all the information. What Gary did was give me a starting point, and an occasional prompt, to bring meaning to the information I had. I knew then that he was a natural and gifted teacher, and was sorry when he chose to leave that profession.

    While we had been friends at Hendrix, we were never really close. But, that night he truly reached out and helped me. The key for me is that it was during my junior year, had I done poorly it could have effected my major and perhaps my chances for law school, not to mention my self-esteem. In fact, I have told this story countless times to my students (I teach as an adjunct at the law school), and students and teachers, just to let them know how important a calling teaching can be.

    I was so sorry to hear of your loss. As you can tell, your Gary held a very special place in my heart and always will.
    Godspeed,

    Tom M. Carpenter
    City Attorney
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    Email: tcarpenter@littlerock.org

 

 

  • Casey and Bobby , Words can not express how much I have appreciated your dad through the years not only as my insurance agent but also a friend. We have had many conversations about the boys, you both and my one. Our conversations covered everything from car insurance for teenagers to the various roles as a single parent. My son, Jason, also decided to go to Hendrix and your dad told us about his experiences on the Hendrix campus. We were always planning to have coffee and meet face to face but never made the time. I do know that he was extremely proud and will continue to be of you both! Please know that he will be missed but all that knew him.
    Genna Gallegly
    North Little Rock, Arkansas
    Email: gggallegly@msn.com

 

  • I was so sorry to hear from Hal that Gary had died. Unfortunately I just found out about the service & my schedule is booked solid this afternoon.

    Casey & Bobbie--I know this is difficult, to go through this sort of thing with your dad. Gary & I were very close in college. We roomed together for a couple of years. We talked about everything. Gary did love to talk. There wasn't a finer bunch of young fools at Hendrix. Hal Reid, RT, Stuenkel, Lyn-dale, Day Day, Chavis, Harshfield, Keith, ya gotta count Brenda, Joy, etc. (I'm sure I have left someone out so please forgive me)Then we all grew up and drifted apart.

    Casey & Bobbie--when y'all were little we got together with my son, David III who is 23 now. You probably don't remember. Then we moved away from LR for 15+ years and sort of lost track. Anyhow, if there's ANYTHING either of you boys need, I'm pretty sure your dad would be OK with me me helping out in his absence. Call me 501-219-1212 or email dnelsen@swbell.net if I can help you in any way.

    Gary's fine wit, his intelligence, his friendship, and his loyalty will be remembered by me always.

    David A. Nelsen, Jr., MD, MS
    Associate Professor of Family Medicine
    University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    Email: dnelsen@swbell.net

 

  • My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of Mr. Jones.
    Devin D. Henson
    Regions Bank-West Branch-Manager
    Little Rock, Arkansas

 

  • Casey and Bobby, please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. Your dad was a very special person to my son, David, who died quite suddenly eight months ago. David had so much respect and admiration for your dad at Cloverdale Junior High, as his English teacher, his annual staff sponsor and his friend.

    When I read about your loss, I was so touched...recalling just how much David thought of "Mr. Jones". It was also such a coincidence that just the day before, in looking through some of David's keepsakes, I saw his 9th grade CJH yearbook where he served as annual staff photographer. I sat down immediately on the closet floor and began reminiscing as I turned every page. Underneath your dad's picture, he had written to David "It's been a pleasure working with you this year. Your photos were just what we needed. Thanks and Best Wishes. GHJones" (Then the very next morning I saw your dad's obituary.) So on behalf of David, I want you to know what an inspiration your dad was as both a teacher and a friend.

    With caring thoughts and prayers for you and your family,

    Sue Cummings Stallings
    Russellville, Arkansas
    Email: scstallings@cox-internet.com

 

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