Thomas 'Tom' Ralph Jones

SALISBURY - Thomas "Tom" Ralph Jones, 66, died Sunday at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Born in Snow Hill he was the son of the late Roy and Josephine Jones.

Tom graduated from Wicomico High School in 1961; served in the United States Army where he was a medical clerk; and upon returning home he attended the University of Maryland where he completed a BS in Art Education.

He began his teaching career at North Dorchester High School and moved to the Middle School upon its opening. During that time he began teaching adult classes for the county.

Having always had a great love for creating art, Tom chose to leave public education and pursue a career as a professional artist and teacher. At that time he opened the 511 Gallery on Race Street in Cambridge, later moved to Salisbury as Tom Jones's Studio, where he was able to surround himself with art work of local and national artists as well as continue to enrich and inspire many upcoming artists, young and old.

Teaching came natural to Tom. During his career he received many awards for outstanding artwork. Mr. Jones was a past member of the Wicomico County Art League, the Art Institute Gallery, and the American Water Color Society, and was a member of the Millsboro Art League. He was an avid supporter of the Waterfowlers of American, Cooper Memorial, several chapters of Ducks Unlimited.

He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Salisbury.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jacqueline Jones of Salisbury; a son, Thomas E. Jones and his wife, Vickie of Salisbury; two grandchildren, Raini and Maranda Jones; a sister, Faye Townsend; a sister-in-law, Betty Jones, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Following cremation a celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. Please call for further information.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Tom to the charitable organization, H.O.P.E., Inc. a health and homeless outreach program, recently established in our community, P.O. Box 113, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Arrangements are being handled by the staff of Bounds Funeral Home in Salisbury. Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com.