Walter McLaurin Jones' Obituary
Walter McLaurin Jones, 53, went to be with the Lord, Monday, December 19, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Jennifer and his cherished children, Addie Grace and McLaurin. Walter is also survived by his mother, Lyndall Jones, sister, Lyndall Snyder (Gary) and brother, Berry Jones, nieces, and nephews: Heather Webb, Hunter Jones, Sidney Snyder and Elizabeth Snyder. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Sidney D. Jones, Jr. Walter was a lifelong Memphian, having graduated from PDS, MUS and then with a B.S. in Chemistry from Millsaps College in 1980. Walter started his career after college in the medical and pharmaceutical sales field working for various companies culminating with his last position as Director, National Accounts, for Baxter Healthcare Corporation. He and his family were long time active members of Christ United Methodist Church. He and Jennifer have been actively involved in the Cornerstone Sunday School class, in which Walter served as past president. Over the course of the years at Christ United Methodist Church, he served in various capacities. One of the defining moments in Walt’s spiritual journey came when he became a member of the Emmaus community where he served on various teams. Walter was known for his deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and his church family was an integral part of his life. Walter was an avid supporter and volunteer for Service Over Self (SOS). He was known throughout the Memphis area competitive boys basketball community and he continued to serve as his son’s coach even after he became ill. Affirmation and acknowledgement of his significance in the competitive basketball community was shown on December 18, 2011 when he became the fourth recipient of the Nolan Wilson Award. In addition to his many church and family activities and commitments, Walter loved traveling, all types of sports and the outdoors. Many hours were spent with friends sharing his love of bass fishing. Walter will be remembered for many things, but one of the most important things is the great witness he was of his constant faith even in the most difficult of times. When Walt was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which was the disease he always feared most, he faced it with a grace and dignity that will serve as a tremendous testimony to the many friends and family members in his wide circle. Walter was a true man of God, he taught his children that each person must first love God in order to then love one another. He taught that in God’s eyes all are created equal and he lived his life treating each person within whom he came into contact exactly in that manner. He was a great friend and mentor whose impact has been far reaching and whose great witness of life will continue to inspire and encourage. The family will meet friends and family at a visitation on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. in the Wilson Chapel at Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar Ave, Memphis. The funeral will be Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary at Christ United Methodist Church. Following a private burial, there will be a reception for all at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Service Over Self, 2505 Poplar Ave., Memphis, 38112, and to the ALS Association, 670 Warwick Oaks Ln. E., Collierville, TN 38017. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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