Gale Jones Sr. was born on July 7, 1936, in Arkadelphia to the union of JC Jones and Clarice Hunter Jones. JC and Clarice taught their children the value of hard work, being honest and having a great name. Those attributes were a few of the many characteristics of the modest and soft-spoken Gale.

He accepted Christ at a tender age and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and church treasurer.

When Gale met Louise Macon, it seemed to be a match made in Heaven, and after a brief period of courtship they were married on May 12, 1956, and they were married for 66 years until his passing. Their union was blessed with eight children. He took his role as a husband and father seriously, teaching kindness and respect for self and others. As a young man, he worked hard; not wanting his wife to work he made many sacrifices to take care of his family. He labored for years at ACME Brick and Georgia-Pacific until his retirement.

He was a trusted friend and family was everything to him. The Jones home was often the gathering place for hours of fun-filled laughter and jokes. Gale was a true comedian and once he had a crowd the jokes were on. His smile, charismatic impersonations, and mocks were a joy to hear and watch.

By all accounts, he was a “jack of all trades”. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and grilling. If there was ever a true sports fan, it was Gale. He was a die-hard Arkadelphia Badgers fan. Whether it was football or basketball you’d always find Gale and his side-kick Louise at every game. He lived a simple, uncomplicated life and enjoyed the pleasure of just being happy.

At the blessed age of 85 and after a valiant fight with cancer, Gale passed peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Willis Wayne Jones (1991) and Donald Ray Jones (2022); and a brother, John Henry Jones.

Because love is more significant than death, he will be forever loved by his wife, Louise; his children, Norma Jones, Gale Jones Jr. (Gloria), Michael A. Jones, Cynthia D. Jones, Eldridge Jones, and Carolyn Jones Owens (Kirk); 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He also leaves sisters, Geneva Whitaker, Venetta Bullock, and Queenie Cooks (Carl); two brothers, Clydell (Lillie) Jones and Willie E. Jones, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Joe Ed Bullock, Orlando Macon, Jimmy Pollins, James Jones, Johnny McDaniel, and other treasured family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, July 8, from noon until 7 p.m. and family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m.at the funeral home. Services in his memory will be shared on Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. G D. Marshall officiating. Interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery. His nephews will serve as pallbearers.