05-10-1931 to 01-08-2025
Russell Jones Jr. was born as the only child of Maggie Darden and Russell “Jack” Jones Sr. on November 29, 1932 in Lawrence, Texas. He was a graduate of Burnett High School, graduating class of 1956. He was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged January 16, 1954. After serving in the military and then graduating from High School, he attended Southwestern Christian College. In December of 1955, he married Shirley Ruth Henderson, and to their union, eight (8) children were born.
Russell accepted Christ on the fourth Sunday of August 1968 and was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Terrell, Tex. While a member of New Hope he served as a choir member, as a member of the brotherhood, bus driver, asst Superintendent of Sunday School and many other ministries. He became a Deacon at the New Hope Church in 1969 and served as Chairman of Deacons for 43 years, under the leadership of 3 different pastors. Even when he no longer served as Chairman, Russell served as a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church until his passing. Russell spent a great deal of his life in the trucking industry. The majority of his career, he worked for Roadway Express and retired in 1992 after 31 years. He was a member of Teamsters Local #745. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandson, BJ. He was a strong advocate for education and was proud of the fact that all of his children and grandchildren were educated. Russell was elevated to 33 rd Degree Mason by the United Supreme Council on November 10, 1975. He was a member of Abraham Lodge 315. In the political arena, Russell ran for city council and was also an integral part of the federal lawsuit that brought single member districts to Kaufman County and insured equal representation for all citizens regardless
of neighborhood or ethnicity.
Russell is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years and 4 months, Shirley Ruth Henderson-
Jones, his father, Russell “Jack” Jones Sr., his mother Maggie Darden-Gimmerson, his son,
Russell (Sonny) Johnson, and three half-sisters, Pearl Presley, Reba Young and Barbara Grigsby.
He leaves to cherish his memory his eight children, Harold (Marilyn), Larry, Sandra, Vincent
(Donna), Rajah, Kennedy (Marcy), Collette (Gary), and Lynette (Darrell). He leaves 22
grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He also had 4 special adopted sons, Ricky Pipkins, Rev. Johnny Dorsey, Dr. B.L. Bell, Sr., and Kenneth Johnson. One special friend Mr. Johnny Baker and a host of other relatives, church members and friends.
Services:
Public Viewing: Friday, January 17, from 6-8 – New Hope BC-Terrell
Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell, Texas
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell