Lotchie John Ray Jones is seen before he joined the serviceRead more
Home at last: Family never forgot Marion County teen who shipped out for Korea in '50
Family members of Korean War veteran U.S. Army Pfc. Lotchie John Ray Jones say their beloved soldier's remains are now on Tennessee soil headed back to his hometown in Jasper.
As the procession headed south from Nashville this morning, Jones' nephew, Lotchia Allen Jones remarked around noon as he accompanied his uncle's procession from Nashville that the arrival of Pfc. Jones on Tennessee soil was a moving experience.
"Seeing that flag-draped coffin and knowing the history that lies there, it just makes your hair stand on end," Lochia Jones said.
The procession carrying Lotchie Jones' remains will pass through the town square in Jasper around 1 p.m. CST en route to Tate Funeral Home off of state Highway 28.
Visitation on Thursday is set for 2 to 8 p.m. CST at Tate Funeral Home on 450 Mel Dixon Lane in Jasper. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11:30 a.m. CST. Jones will be buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
Gov. Bill Haslam has declared a day of mourning and ordered flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday in honor of Jones' ultimate sacrifice.
Jones posthumously received the Combat Infantry Badge, Prisoner of War Medal and Purple Heart Medal. He also received the Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korean War Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or twitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.