Rev. Huey "C" Jones

Huey "C" Jones was born June 16, 1932, in Winnsboro, TX, to Huey "D" Jones and Maggie Rockwell. He graduated from Valley View High School in 1951, and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for 23 years before retiring as an E7 Chief Petty Officer and Radioman. Throughout his military career, Huey served in various capacities, including Supervisor of Joint Communications Maintenance Teletype Repair, Terminal Supervisor in the Taiwan Defense Command, Teletype Repair and Maintenance, Electronics Technician Stationed in San Diego, California, Leading Petty Officer of the Communications Division, and Chief Radioman Stationed in Alaska. Huey was also involved in many intense and dangerous assignments. During President Kennedy's term, a potential United States threat (The Cuban Missile Crisis, required that Chief Petty Officer Jones stand watch over communications for 36 hours, during which he received Top Secret Clearance. Additionally, he fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and served on the following ships or stations: USS Conflict-Mine Sweep, USS Cavalier APA 37, USS Dennis J. Buckley, USS Arnold J. Isbell, United States Taiwan Defense Command, Republic of China, Navy Defense Training Center, San Diego, California, Naval Facility, Adak, Alaska. Huey received recognition for his dedication and outstanding service, to include various awards and many letters of commendation: Amphibian of the Week (7" Fleet), Sailor of the Year (1965), Cavalier Whitehat of the Year, and Six Good Conduct Awards as he assisted in capturing Vietcong prisoners in 1964. With their capture, CO Jones single-handedly supervised four prisoners with only a revolver in hand. In addition to the active assignments given to CPO Jones, he was also appointed to non-duty military assignments, such as Supervisor over Recreation and Chief devotion to the men he supervised. Whenever he felt that any of his men were being mistreated or cheated, he never hesitated to come to their rescue and defense; a trait that he continues to practice to date. After basic training, Huey returned home on leave and married his childhood sweetheart, Erece D. King (Retired Educator), and they remained married for 74 years. To their union, three children were born: Reginald Jones former Lieutenant Officer US Navy and Retired Eastman employee); Oswald "Ozzie" Jones (Deceased, Desert Storm Flight Attendant); and Crata Johnson (Former Educator for Gilmer Schools and current Director of Safety and Security for Pittsburg ISD). Additionally, Huey has been a father to Shirley Carter (Retired Educator for New Diana ISD) for many, many years, and she is considered as his daughter. Huey has not only been on the military battlefield but also the battlefield for Christ; having served as Deacon for Southwood Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA and as Pastor of Freeman Chapel Baptist Church, Quitman, TX; Paradise Baptist Church, Gilmer, TX; and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Gilmer, TX, where he faithfully served as pastor for over 30 years. Huey was a Certified Dean of Christian Education and an active leader and advisor for the Northeast Texas Laymen. His faithfulness to God and his fellow man was shown in his dedicated service to his community: First African American elected to the New Diana School Board (where he was instrumental in obtaining pay increases for underpaid employees), Upshur County Charter Member of N.A.A.C.P. (where he served as President). He was instrumental in the development of the formal observance of MIK in Upshur County and the Upshur County Memorial Day Observance, Key Personnel for President Clinton and Ann Richards, Honorary Kitchen Cabinet Member for President Obama, and President of Citizen Service Enterprise Board (Meals on Wheels and Transportation). Some of his Memberships included: Excelsior Lodge #10 of Gilmer, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, ETMC Gilmer Committee, GISD Concerned Citizens Committee, Veteran of Foreign Wars-Post 6715 (Chaplain Disabled Veterans), and Chaplain American Legion. Supporter of: The American Red Cross, Cancer Society, Heart Society, Feed the Children, Texas Food Bank, Breast Cancer Society, Diabetes Society, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Wounded Warriors Foundation, and, until his passing, he was a proud Retired, Disabled Veteran. Huey is a well-educated man, having gone to six colleges and universities; obtaining seven certifications. He used that knowledge to develop and operate two businesses (The Country Spot, located within the Valley View Community and Huey Jones Automotive, located in Gilmer, TX). Huey loved his church, his community, and fellow man. His generosity, compassion, and willingness to help people, regardless of race or "status", far surpassed that of most. Many nights he was called upon to leave his warm bed and home to go and assist someone in distress; providing them with assistance with personal loans, housing, electric bills, rent, and even groceries. Although Huey sold cars as part of his business, he was so compassionate about helping individuals that he often took buyers to the bank and served as a co-signer because they struggled to come up with the asking price for the purchase. When he was in good health, he regularly visited the nursing homes and hospitals in an effort to provide comfort to the sick; praying for individuals who asked for him by name. Many organizations have recognized him for his outstanding contributions to his community and the surrounding areas for his efforts to help his fellow man. He was named Upshur County Man of the Year, Big Brothers Giving Back Golden Legend, and the Red Oak Historical Society Citizen of the Year. Huey gained his wings on Thursday, January 15th, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Huey leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Erece Jones of Gilmer, TX, son, Reginald Jones (Marie) of Gilmer, TX, daughter, Crata Johnson (Gregory) of Gilmer, TX, daughter, Shirley Carter of Diana, TX, brother, Huey D Jones (Sophia) of Gilmer, TX, and sister Antoinette Henderson (Will) of Gladewater, TX, sister-in-law, Ester Harris of Longview, TX; Grandchildren: Kisha-Marie Jones Schnereger of Seattle, WA, Jacqueline Jones Garcia of Austin, TX, Cory Jordan of Dallas, TX, Kiara Jordan of Gilmer, TX, Jordan Johnson of Longview, TX, Mechelle Carter Looney of Dallas, TX, Chris Carter of Dallas, TX, and Demetra Carter Lewis (Deceased); Great-grandchildren: Jonathan Garcia, Cassius and Xochitl Schnereger, Prestyn and Kannon Finch, Montana Edwards, Jordyn, Jaylon, and Javion Looney, D' Shun Lewis; Great-great grandchildren: RaShaad and Eli Edwards. Special children: Je'Non Derrick, Carol Elder, Daniel Fluellen, Delbert King, Andre Turner, and Kim White; Sons in the Ministry: Rev. Henry Jordan, Jr., D. L. Fluellen, Shelton Johnson, and LaKendric Black; Special friends and family: Pastor Henry Jordan, Jr. and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family, Pastor Gabriel Griffin and the Zion Hill Baptist Church Family, Pastor Byron Allen, Rev. Clifford Epperson and the Bethlehem Baptist Church Family, Brother Samuel Holmes and the Piedmont Church of Christ Family, The DAV, VFW, Rotary Club Members, PSI Research Team, Gale Crump, Wanda Jones, Annie "Sonny" Hargest, Chuckie Moore, Emma Derrick, Jean Lacy, Cynthina Fluellen, Warlean Davis, Celestine Davis, Melvin Smith, Steve Stewart, Dr. Cherie Nazzal, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. Homegoing celebration for Rev. Huey "C" Jones will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Redemption Worship Center. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, at McWhorter Funeral Home. Please visit Huey’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Rev. Huey "C" Jones

June 16, 1932 - January 15, 2026