Dwayne Harold Jones' Obituary
Dwayne Harold Jones escaped this earthly life and went to be with the Lord on March 20, 2023 at the age of 77 years. He was born in Longview, Texas July 21, 1945, the only child of Robert Harold Jones and Myrtle O’Keefe Jones. Dwayne was a special and unique person born to very special parents. When he entered first grade, the school notified his parents after one day that he was not able to remain in the class, as there were no special programs to meet his educational needs. At age 14, the school developed a special education class for his age and he was able to attend school one year only. His parents taught Dwayne at home and included him in the community in every way possible. They taught him to be a gentleman and to help people he saw needing help. While he did not master many academic skills, he used his “common sense” to solve many problems and developed many useful life skills. He became a very independent young man.
Dwayne was a people person who developed many friendships. He rode his bicycle all over the community and became an avid Longview Lobo fan at age 14 when he discovered the team practicing at the old field on Young Street. He rode his bike there every day to watch them and became known to the coaches and many of the players. A coach gave him a Lobo team jacket which was a prized possession. Dwayne had season tickets every year and followed his team, enthusiastically cheering them on no matter the score.
He began doing what he called “station work” or “mechanic work” as a young adult at Arden’s Phillips 66 where his dad traded, riding his bike there rain or shine. When the family moved to north Longview, Dwayne found a north side station. When it closed, he moved to 4th St Texaco where he worked into his 70’s. While Dwayne was not able to repair cars, he was assigned tasks he could reliably do, and he did them whole heartedly. He developed a passion for car racing because his “boss”, David Richardson, built and drove drag race cars. Dwayne loved going to the Hallsville Drag Strip and even to professional drag races with David.
His parents were active members of the Alpine Church of Christ, where Harold served as an elder. They showed hospitality in many ways and reached out to those in need. Dwayne was always included and learned by example to love the Lord and help others as well. His favorite activities were serving communion and singing with the Praise Team, whose members generously included him.
Dwayne set an example for others with his enthusiasm for life, and he overcame many obstacles. His was truly a life well lived. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by numerous cousins and dear friends. The family thanks the many close friends who went out of their way to include Dwayne in their lives, and to Dr. Rangu and the staff at Brookdale and Prime Care Hospice, especially Amy Pruitt. Deserving special mention are David Richardson, Carey McGlathery, Dr. Bill and Jan Howard, Joe and Paula Harle, Paul and Sandra Boorman, Dr. Kevin and Dee Anne McCrary, Larry and Annette Parker, Kevin Womack, Tom Rutledge and L.L. Cleveland who were Dwayne’s loyal friends for many years.
A celebration of Dwayne’s life will be held at Rader Funeral Home at 1:00 on Friday, March 24, 2023. Rodney Cox will officiate. Family visitation will begin at noon prior to the service. Burial will follow at Memory Park in Longview.
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