Vernell "Puddin Head" Jones

Just doing all each day will hold, and living it with zest Loving, laughing, and dreaming too, but always just my best. My best I’ll give, my best I’ll share, without a question why Because I know I cannot stay, for I’m just passing by. On May 7, 1932, Rev. Levi and Lizzie Matlock Jones welcomed to their family a handsome baby boy. They named him Vernell. He was affectionately called “Puddin Head” by his family and friends. Vernell was raised in Delight, Arkansas. Nurtured in a Christian environment, Vernell gave his life to Christ at a young age and joined Harrison Chapel Baptist Church. He was educated in Pike County school system and attended Rosenwald Elementary School. He was a life and faithful member of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, HCBC building fund committee, HCBC Cemetery Treasurer, Division D Finance Coordinator of the Southwest District Association, member of Voices of Praise, Arkansas Regional President and Committee Chairperson of the Matlock Family Reunion, and President of the Buckhorn Hunting Club. At the age of 21 he enlisted in the United States Army on November 7, 1952 at Camp Robinson. While in the Army he received several medals and commendations including: the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Star, the UN Service Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged on November 6, 1954. On November 30, 1959, believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” he married the beautiful and sweet Gracie Furlow. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of Rose Mary, Sandra, Fernell, Johnny, Charles and Loretta. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. “Puddin Head” and Gracie were preparing to celebrate their 50th year wedding anniversary at the time of his heavenly transition. Vernell was a retired logger having worked for Couch Brothers Logging Company and Jack Lee Logging Company. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, gardening, farming, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and a hard worker. Vernell traveled his road of life and dealt with the stormy and sunny days along the way to the best of his ability with integrity and character. Vernell was a patient man. He always maintained a humble spirit and mild disposition throughout his life. We will remember his smiles, his love, and infectious laugh. On Monday, November 23, 2009, in his 77th season, Vernell answered the call that no man can refuse and surrendered his soul to Christ. Awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home are his parents, son Charles, and sons-in-law Claude “Pete” Williams and Burl Lockridge. Because love is far greater that death Vernell departs this earth in body only. Those left to celebrate his life and remember his legacy are his loving wife, Gracie; three daughters, Rose Mary Williams of Delight, Arkansas, Sandra Lockridge of Cedar Hills, TX, and Loretta Richardson of Los Angeles, CA; two sons, Fernell (Patricia) Jones of McNabb, AR; and Johnny Jones of Delight, AR; one daughter-in-law, Trina Jones of Okolona, AR; his mother-in-law, Alberta Thomas of Murfreesboro, AR; nine grandchildren, Dedric Jones whom he raised as a son, Jonathan Gentry, Raymond Jones, Demario Jones, Lamar Jones, Yiesha Jones, Ian Richardson, Ricky Draper, and Jessica Draper; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruthell Dickerson of Flint, MI; one brother, Rev. Louis Jones of Delight, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the Harrison Chapel Baptist Church family. Mr. Jones will lie in state on Friday, November 27, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. A homgoing celebration is planned for Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Delight, Arkansas. Rev. Rufus Hatley the pastor will deliver the homegoing message. The committal service and final resting place will be in Harrison Chapel Cemetery. Bearers of the casket will be Harry Thomas, Ladell Gentry, Kendall McDaniel, Henry McDaniel, Joe Leeper, and Bobby Gentry. Honorary bearers of the casket will be Howard Stuart, Jonathan Gentry, Raymond Jones, Demario Jones, Chester Ray Stuart and Charles Stuart.