A Methodist Children’s Home resident from 1946 to 1956 with his brother Billy Gene, Harold G. “Harry” Jones passed away on September 10, 2024. He was born March 10, 1938 in Aberdeen, Monroe County, Arkansas. After graduating from Little Rock Central High School and attending Arkansas Polytechnic College (what is now Arkansas Tech University), Harry served as a cryptographer in the US Air Force. He married Katheryn “Kitty” Phillips in 1965 and had a long career in banking.
Harry kept Methodist Family Health in his heart & giving throughout his life. Sympathizing with the children in our residential care, he provided “pocket spending money” during the holidays. He would bring crisp bills to the Foundation each year and was adamant there should not be a recording of these donations. The recipients wrote thank you notes to their anonymous Santa, and he treasured receiving those letters.
Harry loved to reminiscence and tell stories of his time at the Children’s Home, the lifelong friends he made there and the employees who made an impression on him. In fact, just within the past year, Harry was instrumental in ensuring that Superintendent J.S.M. Cannon (the head of the Children’s Home during his residency) was honored for his service to Methodist Family Health. Our last correspondence with Harry was to notify him that a bronze plaque was installed on the Fillmore campus with a building named in tribute to Cannon.
We extend our deep sympathy & sincere condolences to Harry’s family and friends. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of our staff.
Pictures: Harry Jones with his brother Billy Gene Jones; Harry Jones in Air Force uniform; Harry Jones with his wife Kitty in 2000.
