Obituaries

Hugh Geraint Martin Jones

Photo of Hugh Geraint Martin Jones
Hugh Geraint Martin Jones, 91, of Hot Springs, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017. He was born on August 22, 1925, in Bargoed, Wales, to his parents, Huw David and Ellen Martin Jones of Swansea, Wales. Dr. Jones graduated from the Lewis School in Pengam, Wales, prior to becoming a mid-shipman with the British Merchant Navy in 1939, and served honorably in World War II in the British Royal Navy. He came to the United States in 1947, and entered Arkansas College, now Lyon College, where he was class Valedictorian and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA degree in 1950. While attending Arkansas College, he met Joan Creason, and they were married on June 9, 1952, at First Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs. He continued his education, receiving his Bachelor of Divinity and Masters of Theology degrees from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, and his Doctorate of Divinity at Vanderbilt University. He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity at Lyon College. He later served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Lyon College and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the institution. Throughout his career, Dr. Jones served as pastor of Presbyterian churches in Odessa, Conroe, and Houston, Texas, El Dorado, Arkansas, and Nashville, Tennessee. He also served as President of The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee 1972-1978, and Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia from 1978 until his retirement in 1990. To mention a few of his awards, he received the American Award of the DAR, the Outstanding Rotarian Award, and served as the Moderator of Brazos and Ouachita Presbyteries. He is the author of three books, "A Time for Boldness", "Environmental Preaching", and "The Welshman With a Southern Accent". Dr. Jones is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. Glyn Martin Jones. Loving survivors include his wife of almost 65 years, Joan Creason Jones, son, David Creason Jones, Sr. (Jeanna) of Surf Side Beach, Texas, daughter, Gwen Jones Parrish Owen (Penn) of Memphis, Tenn., and grandchildren, Creason Jones, Kate Jones, Elizabeth Parrish, and Martin Jones. He also leaves his devoted brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Judi Creason of Hot Springs. A celebration of Gary's faithful life has been set for Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901; The Webb School, P.O. Box 488, Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020; or Woodward Academy, 1662 Rugby Ave, College Park, Ga. 30337. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

Published March 30, 2017

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