With the passing of Dr. Bill Jones, the last of my major professors in my undergraduate studies has gone to be with the Lord. The time spent at the feet of Dr. Raymond Kelcy, Dr. Hugo McCord, and Dr. Bill Jones was rich and rewarding. It is hard to believe that 40+ years have passed. I did not in those years appreciate the quality and depth of those from whose wells I was drinking.
Dr. Bill Jones had a special place in my heart because it was he who opened up to me the rich possibilities of Old Testament study. I took every one of his Old Testament courses. He seemed distant to me during my undergraduate studies, but when my life in ministry took me back to Oklahoma, he became a good friend and Christian brother. He was always ready to talk about the Bible, ideas, applications, challenges, and new understandings. He was a scholar, a gentleman, a teacher and mentor, and a Christian. God blessed countless lives through him. I, as one of those so blessed, am richer today in ways that matter for eternity.