Donald Ray Jones

Donald Ray Jones, 74, of Folkston went to his heavenly reward after a brief illness on June 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Louise Holt McKinney and Ray Jones. Don was born on October 4, 1950, in Fayetteville, NC. In school he was active in sports and excelled academically. He graduated from Seventy First High School in Fayetteville, NC in 1970 and entered North Carolina State University where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Don went to work for Seaboard Coastline Railroad which later became CSX. Don was the project engineer during the building of Rice Yard in Waycross, Georgia. Rice Yard was the most modern train yard in the world upon completion. After the Yard was built, he became the Supervisor of Communications and Signals at Rice Yard. Don spent his entire career in the railroad signal industry retiring in 2016.

Don is survived by his wife of 43 years Lawanda Crews Jones, daughter Dena Roberts of Folkston, son Doug Roberts of Folkston. Four grandchildren, Mallory (Patrick) Armistead of Folkston, Donald (Megan) Stephens of Jackson, Georgia, David Stephens of Folkston and Shelby (Austin) Bennett of Mt. Laurel, NJ. Five great grandchildren, Mattox, Mia, Parker and Pierce Armistead of Folkston and Addie Payne of Jackson, Georgia. A sister-in-law, Diane Crews Cagle of Marietta, Georgia and a brother-in-law, Howard Crews of Folkston, nephews, Russell Cagle of San Jose, CA, Ron Cagle of Gainesville, GA and Ryan Dale Cagle of Brooklyn, NY.

Don was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church where he quietly served behind the scenes. After living in large cities , he loved the quaintness of living in Folkston.

Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather and as “Lawanda’s husband”. He was a man whose quiet strength and warm one liners of humor touched the lives of many. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 700 Kingsland Dr., Folkston, GA from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025. The Rosary will be prayed at 4:30pm.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held, on Saturday, June 7 at 3:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery.

In Don’s memory do a kind deed for someone and think of Don!