Luther Ray Jones

Luther Ray Jones 87, of Indianapolis, departed this life Friday, January 29, 2021 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Ray was born January 12, 1934 in Bowling Green, KY to the late Sidney and Mayme Jones. He was the youngest of six siblings, one brother and four sisters who all predeceased Ray.

In addition to multiple nieces, nephews and grandchildren; Ray is survived by his loving son, Gary Jones of Jonesboro, GA; and three devoted daughters, Vickie Gibson of Port Charlotte, FL; Pam Linsley of Indianapolis, IN; and Laurie Isley of El Paso, TX.  In 1981 he married Barbara (Linsley) Jones and spent many happy years with her until her death in 2009.  In his early years, Ray was married to Gary’s mother, the late Eileen (Gribben) Jones.

Ray and Barbara were devout Christians and members of Allisonville Christian Church. The support provided by their church family was invaluable throughout Barbara’s battle with lung cancer and Ray’s move to assisted living.

During his career years, Ray proudly worked as a truck driver for Target where he retired at age 65. In addition to Target, he drove for Ayr-Way and L.S. Ayers. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a Sergeant with the 8^th Infantry Division in Germany during the 1950s.

Ray will be best remembered as an incredibly talented singer/guitarist. He taught himself to play the guitar at a young age, playing alone and with multiple bands throughout his life. The final group he played with was “The Rays,” a local Indianapolis country western band. In addition to being a talented musician, he was a skilled wood worker. When he wasn’t strumming his guitar or creating a piece of furniture, he could be found working in the yard or watching IU basketball and Colts football.

He will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1PM at Flanner Buchanan-Memorial Park, 9350 E Washington Street. Indianapolis, Indiana 46229.