Phillip Ray Jones

Phillip Ray Jones, known to many as "Dear Ol' Dad," entered his final harvest on January 5, 2026, in Celina, Tennessee. Born in the heartland of Elwood, Indiana, on February 10, 1945, his rich life ripened to a sweet vintage age of 80 years.

After graduating in the topsoil of his class at Tipton High School in '63 and planting the seeds of higher education with two years of college, Phillip cultivated a career as diverse as a country fair. From tending to his tractor that he loved, to wrangling sanitation routes, a mastery in custodial arts, and sparking life as a journeyman electrician at Chrysler - Phillip truly was the Swiss army knife in the toolshed of life.

He laid down strong roots at the Arcot Church of Christ, having turned over a new leaf when he settled in Celina, 30 springs ago. His faith was a steering wheel rather than a spare tire, guiding him through life’s bumpy farm tracks.

Phillip’s heart was always in the right place – usually next to his wife, Barbara Jean, for an enduring 60 harvests of marriage. Their love produced three sprouts: Angela, Adriana, and Thomas, with Thomas sprouting a smidge taller in Phillip’s field of vision. He extended his farming metaphor as he coached his offspring in sports, regaled them with tall tales, and handed out life’s lessons like a seasoned sage handling out apple pies at a county fair.

Phillip’s legacy blossoms through his eight grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. His life was a testament to laughter, love, and the kind of stories you only share when the barn doors are closed.

A true renaissance rancher, Phillip’s hobbies include everything from coaching on the sidelines to revving up excitement with the Quarter miler club. He also enjoyed “hunting trips” at the Hoosier Club on Cable Lake Road -where the endearment of Dear Ol’ Dad began and the stories that aren’t polite for society remains. The many memberships stitched together a quilt from Scottish Rite and the Freemasons as a 32nd degree Past Master of Austin Lodge #128 of Tipton, Indiana, his life was a patchwork of community and camaraderie.

A man who lived as colorfully as a patch of wildflowers, Phillip is survived by his vibrant bouquet of family. His story continues through his wife Barbara; his children: Angela (Scott) Scales, Adriana (Gary) Basey, and Thomas (Heather) Jones; and the grandchildren who could start a small village. Nicholas Basey, Kierstan (Kyle Mooney) Basey, Josiah (Karen) Lopez-Brown, Levi Jones, Macy Jones, Elliot Jones, Sarah Scales, Seth Scales.

Preceding him in departure were his own life-givers, Frank and Beatrice, and his siblings or sidekicks: Marsha Logan and John Jones.

Gather to tip your hat and share a tall tale or two with the family at Clay County Funeral Home 423 Brown Street Celina, Tennessee, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 11 A.M. until his Masonic Service at 1P.M. and the grande finale at 1:30PM with Bro. David Threet. The legend of Phillip Ray Jones will be planted at McColgan Cemetery where his stories will continue to grow.

Instead of floral tributes, the Jones family suggest contributions that sow into the McColgan Cemetery fund or the Arcot Church of Christ – A nod to Phillip’s love for his community and faith.

Remember, while Phillip may have traded his tractor for angel wings, the furrows of joy, love, and mischief he plowed through life will forever enrich the soil of those who knew him.

Clay County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 931-243-5050