Michael Wayne Jones

Michael Wayne Jones, passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2025, in Tavira, Portugal. His devoted and loving wife, Paula, was at his side throughout his wellfought battle with cancer. She was talking to him and holding his hand as he took his last breaths. 

Michael, also known as Mike to his family and Poppy to his grandchildren, was born December 26, 1951, in Augusta, Georgia, where his father was stationed in the Army. When Michael was five years old, after his father’s discharge, the family moved to Pasadena, Texas, which Michael called home through early adulthood. 

Michael was a natural and passionate musician, playing many instruments and always eager to learn a new one. His Army service was spent playing saxophone in the Army band. He played in a rock band in the 1970s, studied music in college and played in praise and worship bands in churches throughout his life. 

Michael had a strong vibrant love for the Lord. He was named Mission Director of GODTEL Ministries for the homeless in his 30s and became an ordained minister. He led Bible studies and prayer sessions at Grace Riding Stables. He was so pleased to be given the opportunity to preach English services at a local Portuguese church. During his hard battle with cancer he never missed an opportunity to tell others about the love of God and salvation. He knew he was going to Heaven but as he became more ill he kept his sense of humor saying “the trip to get there is not much fun.” 

Michael got a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University at the age of 39 and pursued a career in computer programming. He happily retired from programming in 2010 to join Paula at Grace Riding Stables where he threw himself into the horse world. He helped with the day to day running of the stables, teaching the new beginner riders and sharing all the camp duties. He loved taking students to the local horse shows and chatting to everyone there. Always a student, he took dressage lessons to improve his riding and knowledge. He enjoyed his time on the board of the local dressage club ADU and attended many of the local CTDS clubs shows. He was always willing to help in any capacity. 

Once Michael and Paula sold Grace Riding Stables, Michael missed the active lifestyle and took up bodybuilding. He competed in and won competitions and became a personal trainer. After his cancer treatments, he always wanted to know when he could get back to the gym. Michael and Paula moved to Portugal in 2022. He studied hard to learn the Portuguese language which he enjoyed so much. Michael was so smart and had a curiosity throughout his life. He and Paula had wonderful times cruising and traveling through the UK, Portugal and Spain. They also took up dancing which was great fun for them. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Quinlin Jones and Una Petty Jones. He is survived by his wife, Paula Sparks Jones, children Matthew Jones (Summer), Michelle Leal, James Conlee (Tara) and Davida Watkins (Miguel) and grandchildren Riann Jones, Paisley Jones, Gunner Jones, Bryce Leal, Kinnley Leal, and Olivia Conlee. He is also survived by his siblings Gloria Jones, Carolyn Kerr (Jim), Shirley Tomlinson (Steve) and Mark Jones (Lisa) plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike’s family was very important to him and he loved them fiercely. Michael made friends easily wherever he went and had a knack for putting people at ease and making them feel included. He will be sorely missed by so many - until we meet again. 

A memorial service was performed in Tavira, Portugal on July 28. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., September 13, 2025, at Grace Bible Church, 2100 Shell Road, Georgetown, Texas. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire appropriate for celebrating a life well lived. A graveside service will follow at Marquez Cemetery. 

The service will be livestreamed at: https://gbcgt.org/live-stream.  

Because of Michael’s great love of worship music and horses, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: 

• Grace Bible Church Music Ministry, Georgetown, Texas: https://ppay.co/IC0zNqCPzG8H.E.L.P.  
• Center of Austin: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4U3Z2844T9GHC.