Willis Terry Jones

Willis Terry Jones, 84, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at his home on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Terry was born April 25, 1940, in Harlingen, Texas to Edward Rudolph Jones and Zelma Faye McQueen Jones.  He was the third of eight siblings born to the family.  Early life for Terry was spent throughout Texas and New Mexico.

Terry joined the U.S. Air Force in February 1958, at the age of 17.  Early service tours included Germany and Turkey.  Terry was then assigned to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, where he met and married his beautiful wife, MaryAnn.  In 1962 he and his family were sent to Anchorage, Alaska.  On Good Friday, March 27, 1964, they endured the great Alaskan earthquake.  Terry and his family returned to Texas for service at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, then to Turkey for his 2nd tour through 1970, and Taiwan through 1972.  After a short 13 month return to Goodfellow AFB, Terry received orders and in 1973 was sent to the Philippine Islands, again fortunate to be accompanied by his family.  While in the Philippines, Terry was assigned to the Security Assistance Support Office and made 27 trips from Clark AFB to South Vietnam.  He provided assistance to 9 air force bases until the surrender of South Vietnam to North Vietnam in 1975.  With this tour complete, and after a short vacation with his family in the States, Terry spent his last overseas assignment in Thailand.  He returned to his family in 1976 and retired from Webb AFB in Big Springs, Texas in 1978.  During Terry's 20 years of military service, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Meritorious Service medal for duty served in Vietnam.

Terry was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 43 years, Mary Ann (Fisher) Jones, his wonderful friend and companion Sue Gray, and daughter-in-law Melissa.

He is survived by his fantastic sons Bryan of Lake Ivie, Kevin and wife Rachel of Marble Falls, Darren and wife Carrie of Waco, and his wonderful daughter Angela who lived with Terry and made sure he was well taken care of.  He is also survived by his beautiful love, friend, and companion Cheryl Hoelscher who came into his life and brought him love, sunshine, and happiness that he thought he would never experience again.  He is also survived by 11 wonderful grandkids and several great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Terry will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. His funeral service will follow on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Church of Christ, 500 Strong Ave, also in Ballinger.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation in Terry's honor.