Born in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on September 18, 1950, McFerrel Jones became the first child of Annie Louise Jones, who was 16 years old at the time. Because of his mother's young age, his grandparents Frank and Rosa Jones mostly raised him. Rosa was a devout Christian, and it was through her love and guidance that he learned about God and the highest of moral values at an early age. Church and Sunday school were musts under the Jones' rules.McFerrel served in the US Navy for 20 years, from May 1969 through April 1989, as an Aircraft Refueler. He served aboard the Aircraft Carriers USS John F. Kennedy CV67 and USS Saratoga CV60, as well as other shore-based commands.In 1972 McFerrel met Mattie Jackson in Green Cove. She later became his wife, and through her, the Lord has blessed him with four children of his own: two boys and two girls.McFerrel didn't move back to Green Cove Springs after retiring from the military. Instead, he made his home in another small town 149 miles south of Green Cove-a little place called Orlando, Florida-and it is here that McFerrel plans to retire permanently.
