Raymond G. "Ray" Jones, 71, of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.

Born in Philadelphia, March 27, 1946, he was a son of the late Raymond and Margaret Maley Jones.

Ray was a decorated Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam era. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Parachute Badge and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

On June 24, 1967, in the former St. Mary Magdalene Church, Lost Creek, he married the former Joan Gregas, who survives.

He worked as a carpenter for most of his life and retired from the former Gould's Pump, Ashland.

Ray was a member of the former St. George's Church, Shenandoah. He was a life member and a former adjunct officer for the Disabled American Veterans, Shenandoah. He was also a member of the A.P. Damato Medal of Honor Post 792, Shenandoah,the South End Field and Stream Association, Whippoorwill Dam, Frackville, and the former Shenandoah AMVETS Post.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his son, Brian Jones, in 2001, and a brother, Dennis Long.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 50 years, Joan Jones, are his grandson, Kyle Jones, Shenandoah; two brothers, Eugene Long, Suffolk, Mahanoy City, and George Long and his wife Marian, Shenandoah; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Religious services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. Relatives and friends may call from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.