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Raymond Irving Jones died suddenly on April 16 in Middletown. He was the husband of the late Carol Sherman Jones. Ray was born on June 26, 1929, in Guilford to the late Irving H. Jones and Sylvia Beckwith Jones.

He was a life-long resident and a dedicated member of the Eagle Hose Co. 2 of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department. Ray become an active member in June 1948 and was placed on the Honorary List in August 1974. Ray rose through the ranks, serving as lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. He was also an employee of the Guilford Public Works, and worked at the Recycling Center and the Stump Dump. Ray was a circus buff and forged long friendships with many performers and animal trainers.

Ray was predeceased by a stepson, Alan Fries; a grandson, David Fries, Jr.; his brother Robert H. Jones; and a brother-in-law, Allan F. Shepard, Jr. He is survived by his stepchildren Carol Fries of East Haven; Mary (Scott) Frankish of West Hampton, New Jersey; David Fries of Wallingford; and Debra (Roy) Ballou of Branford. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia Shepard and sister-in-law Lois Jones, both of Bridgton, Maine; brother Gene (Olive) Jones of Guilford; and sister Marjorie (Henry) Rowell of Madison. He leaves behind eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 5 at Branford Free Evangelical Church, 231 Leetes Island Rd., Branford, at 11:30 a.m.