Earl Jones
Earl Jones, 89, of Minot, Maine died of natural causes on Friday, July 8, 2022. He lived a life full of adventure and will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. Earl was well respected and known as being quick witted, able to handle any situation, and ready to be master of ceremonies when and if needed.
Earl was born on September 28, 1932 to Theodore Roosevelt Jones and Mildred Louise Chaplin in Gorham, Maine.
He married Maxine Ayer in 1952, and after a short time living in Portland and Cape Elizabeth they settled in Farmington Maine where they raised their 3 children. Earl was involved in the Titcomb Ski Slope, Little league Baseball and Football as well as other local civic activities.
Earl joined Texas Refinery Corporation in 1961 and began a life-long career selling oil and lubricants throughout the state of Maine and New England. He was a meticulous salesman, rewarded with numerous trips, jewels, and awards.
In 1979, he married Joan Austin, of Turner. Together they hand-built a home in Minot, Maine creating a family homestead complete with chickens and gardens.
Earl was best known for his love of stock car racing. He cherished the time spent with his pit crews and was friend and father figure to many.
Earl ‘Parnelli’ Jones began his racing career in 1964 – the same year Oxford Plains Speedway re-opened and introduced full-body Sportsman cars to Maine racing fans. A 20-year driving career began when he filled in for Billy Clark for the 1964 Triple Crown Series – where he finished in the top 3 in all three races – and ended when he helped NASCAR star Bill Elliott get around Oxford Plains in 1984.
In between, Earl competed on all of Maine’s racetracks – Beech Ridge Speedway, Unity Raceway, Wiscasset Speedway and Speedway 95 in addition to Oxford Plains. His racing wasn’t limited to his home state as he made several trips to Nova Scotia where he won a major race in Halifax in 1976.
But Earl faced his greatest challenge not only as a race driver but in life took place in 1967 when he lost the sight in his right eye. He returned to racing the next year with a new blue and gold Ford and continued his winning ways. During his career, Earl won over 20 Sportsman races – fifteen of those at Oxford – and three Figure Eight events, also at his home track. He was famous for his blue and gold #19 Fords, but he also drove Dodges for Dave Coffin in the early 1980’s.
Earl continued his affiliation with racing, attending many NASCAR races around the country. In 2007, Earl was inducted into Maine Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
Earl excelled in most anything he attempted. He was a member of Tyrian Lodge #73 of Mechanic Falls, Maine, working the degrees to Grand Master in 1986. He was also a member of the Shriners.
Earl and Joan spent many snowbird years traveling to Okeechobee Florida, enjoying fishing and the warm weather.
Earl was predeceased by his brother Erwin Jones, and the mother of his children Maxine Ayer Hiscock.
He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Ginger Burger and husband Richard of Bangor, son Scott and wife Roni of Cundy’s Harbor, and Andrew and his wife Karen of Falmouth; as well as 7 Grandchildren and numerous Great Grandchildren. Earl will be missed by members of his blended family who considered him “second dad”.
Pat Pepin, Dot Austin, Ivan and Doris Austin, Polly Austin and Grace Martel including their children and grandchildren.
Online condolences may be expressed below.
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