Tony Ray Jones Sr.

Elder Tony R. Jones Sr. better known as (Guitar) Jones was born May 23, 1954 in French Camp born to the parents of Carens and Dorothy Jones. Where he grew up in the city of Stockton with his siblings Floyd Frazier, Wanda Rae Jordan, Cathren Graham, Wanda Elaine Jones-Austin, Michael Jones, and Lana Jeanette Jones-Clemons. When he was young, he was known as “Jack Rabbit” because he was quick on his feet and could run like the wind. He was a great football player when he attended Edison High School where he graduated in 1973 and did attend Delta College. Elder Jones was anointed in Music for over 60 years since the age of three and in ministry as well. He received his start in a small band in a revival on the drums playing for Pastor Bradley while attending Unity Memorial C.O.G.I.C., at the age of 13 years old. He accepted Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost in Choir rehearsal, where God would come in and there was no limits on what God would do in the rehearsals. 

One of the highlights of his life was when he joined the Army in 1973 and was stationed in Fort Ord Monterey, and Germany, for several years and later was honorably discharged from Fort Dix New Jersey. After the many prayers of his parents, Missionary Dorothy Jones, and playing with his Dad (Pastor Mann Jones), brother (Michael), and cousin (Clemons Potts) at various churches, God continued to anoint him to play skillfully on the guitar, which he called (Lula), named after his Grandmother.

He later on married the love of his life Evangelist Geraldine Jones in 1976 and would have celebrated 48 years of marriage December 11th, but God had another plan. To this union were four children, but the Lord blessed for only two to live, Anitra 46 and Tony 42, one Daughter-in-love Monique and three wonderful grandchildren who he adored and was very proud of, Darrenee 23, Heaven 19 and Jayden 17. 

 Elder Jones was the Asst. Pastor of Eastside COGIC under the leadership of Elder Orvelester and First Lady Judith Strassner where he taught the youth in Sunday School, and Music, and encouraged many in the Word of God. Elder Jones was blessed to Pastor, Co-Pastor, Evangelize and encourage many people even while in the hospital during his sickness, God used him. Many ups and downs came his way but, he stood the test and kept moving forward. Later on they moved to Elk Grove California where he abided until God called him home. Elder Jones retired from Tracy Defense Depot in the city of Tracy with 39 years of service in 2014 and was later in 2016 diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. During the pandemic they later joined the Holy Temple Community COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Joseph and First Lady Joyce Thomas and through his sickness he never gave up trusting in God for healing.

 He was an inspiration to many people, an anointed Guitarist and singer. His love, humble spirit, and gifts always made room for him. Dedication for music was God given and his gift was for the world.

He left to celebrate and cherish his life, his wife Geraldine (Geri) Jones, daughter Anitra Jones, son Tony Jones II, grandchildren Darrenee, Heaven, Jayden, daughter-in-love Monique, all of Elk Grove, CA, his sisters Wanda Jones- Austin of Stockton, Lana Jones-Clemons of Elk Grove, CA his brother Michael (Pam) of Moline, Illinois. Close sister Gwen Davis and close friend Tony Montgomery. God Sisters Peggy Martin & Regina King. A host of God children Rosalyn Lee, Karen and Kelly Ridley, Caffie Beard, Nadira and Noel Jones, Buddy Ware, and Terry Watson, extended family and friends.

Favorite Scripture: II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” To God Be the Glory!