Alvie Franklin Jones, Jr. "Buzz Saw" Houston Police Officer (Retired).
Alvie, affectionately known to his family as "Lynn" was born on September 16, 1944 and went to be face to face with The Lord on October 21, 2014, aged 70 years.
Alvie was born in Houston, Texas to Alvie F. Jones, Sr. and Christine Ammons Jones, the second of seven wonderful sons.
Alvie grew up in Pasadena, Texas attending Sam Rayburn High School and graduating in the class of 1966. This is also where he met and was engaged to his lovely wife, Hollis Hurry.
Shortly after graduation, Alvie enlisted in the United States Navy and was deployed. Midway through active service, he and Hollis were married in 1968. His naval service continued until 1970 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunners Mate First Class. Not having enough of the military, he went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Alvie went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Houston, where he worked for 6 years excelling at his job, but desiring something more.
In 1976, after two unsuccessful applications, the Houston Police Department finally lowered their height requirements and he began his career as a Houston Police Officer; a career that unbeknownst to him would make him a legend. It was also here that he would be given the famous nickname with which his legends would be told … "Buzz Saw". It was this 25-year career that would earn "Buzz Saw Jones" a permanent place in Houston and Harris County law enforcement, and in the hearts of Houstonians.
To supplement his income, Alvie soon accepted an extra job that very few officers wanted, directing traffic at the busiest intersection in the entire city (and at one point the busiest in the entire United States), Westheimer at Loop 610, in the Galleria area. He began working two days weekly, but when word spread of his antics and talent it became a permanent assignment. He danced, waved, gestured, yelled, and oh his whistle…. if you listen closely near that intersection, even today you may still hear his ear piercing whistle which was louder than any bought in a store. It was for these heartily entertaining performances and the "show" he put on which earned him his fame. He was constantly discussed on Houston radio, featured in People Magazine, being storied in The Houston Chronicle on numerous occasions (some front page), the topic of articles in the Houston Police periodical "The Badge and Gun", and covered on the nightly Houston news. During the holidays he was often seen in a Santa hat while directing traffic. Regular passers by often pulled into parking lots to simply watch "the show". He even influenced people of note, as Joel Osteen mentions "the dancing traffic cop" in one of his books. He considered it his military duty to stop all traffic and salute dignitaries as they passed through the intersection, his personal most memorable occasion being the salute of President H. W. George Bush, earning him a recent personal letter of thanks and admiration from "Senior" himself. In 2000, Alvie retired honorably with almost 25 years of service to the great city of Houston.
In failing health, Alvie spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice, in Diboll, Texas. A special thanks to Hollis and to Alvie's family for their unwavering support in attending to his constant needs.
Alvie was a wholly dedicated member of Berachah Church for over 45 years. Even in failing health he relentlessly attended or listened to audios to study the Word of God under Pastors Robert B. Thieme, Jr., and Robert B. Thieme, III.
Alvie is survived by his only child, Alvie F. Jones III and his partner Mason Preiss, both of Edmond, Oklahoma: Brothers and Sisters-in-Law, James Harold Jones and wife, Joana of Alto, Texas; Donald Wayne Jones and wife, Helen of Houston, Texas; Marcus Luther Jones and wife, Keri of Alto, Texas; Robert Allen Jones and wife, Gina of Diboll, Texas; Norman Eugene Jones of Humble, Texas; Thirteen nieces and nephews; and Twenty-four great nieces and nephews.
Alvie was preceded in death by his Mother, Christine Ammons Jones; Father, Alvie F. Jones, Sr.; and brother Clifford Ross Jones.
Houston Chronicle 10/26/2014
Alvie, affectionately known to his family as "Lynn" was born on September 16, 1944 and went to be face to face with The Lord on October 21, 2014, aged 70 years.
Alvie was born in Houston, Texas to Alvie F. Jones, Sr. and Christine Ammons Jones, the second of seven wonderful sons.
Alvie grew up in Pasadena, Texas attending Sam Rayburn High School and graduating in the class of 1966. This is also where he met and was engaged to his lovely wife, Hollis Hurry.
Shortly after graduation, Alvie enlisted in the United States Navy and was deployed. Midway through active service, he and Hollis were married in 1968. His naval service continued until 1970 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunners Mate First Class. Not having enough of the military, he went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Alvie went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Houston, where he worked for 6 years excelling at his job, but desiring something more.
In 1976, after two unsuccessful applications, the Houston Police Department finally lowered their height requirements and he began his career as a Houston Police Officer; a career that unbeknownst to him would make him a legend. It was also here that he would be given the famous nickname with which his legends would be told … "Buzz Saw". It was this 25-year career that would earn "Buzz Saw Jones" a permanent place in Houston and Harris County law enforcement, and in the hearts of Houstonians.
To supplement his income, Alvie soon accepted an extra job that very few officers wanted, directing traffic at the busiest intersection in the entire city (and at one point the busiest in the entire United States), Westheimer at Loop 610, in the Galleria area. He began working two days weekly, but when word spread of his antics and talent it became a permanent assignment. He danced, waved, gestured, yelled, and oh his whistle…. if you listen closely near that intersection, even today you may still hear his ear piercing whistle which was louder than any bought in a store. It was for these heartily entertaining performances and the "show" he put on which earned him his fame. He was constantly discussed on Houston radio, featured in People Magazine, being storied in The Houston Chronicle on numerous occasions (some front page), the topic of articles in the Houston Police periodical "The Badge and Gun", and covered on the nightly Houston news. During the holidays he was often seen in a Santa hat while directing traffic. Regular passers by often pulled into parking lots to simply watch "the show". He even influenced people of note, as Joel Osteen mentions "the dancing traffic cop" in one of his books. He considered it his military duty to stop all traffic and salute dignitaries as they passed through the intersection, his personal most memorable occasion being the salute of President H. W. George Bush, earning him a recent personal letter of thanks and admiration from "Senior" himself. In 2000, Alvie retired honorably with almost 25 years of service to the great city of Houston.
In failing health, Alvie spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice, in Diboll, Texas. A special thanks to Hollis and to Alvie's family for their unwavering support in attending to his constant needs.
Alvie was a wholly dedicated member of Berachah Church for over 45 years. Even in failing health he relentlessly attended or listened to audios to study the Word of God under Pastors Robert B. Thieme, Jr., and Robert B. Thieme, III.
Alvie is survived by his only child, Alvie F. Jones III and his partner Mason Preiss, both of Edmond, Oklahoma: Brothers and Sisters-in-Law, James Harold Jones and wife, Joana of Alto, Texas; Donald Wayne Jones and wife, Helen of Houston, Texas; Marcus Luther Jones and wife, Keri of Alto, Texas; Robert Allen Jones and wife, Gina of Diboll, Texas; Norman Eugene Jones of Humble, Texas; Thirteen nieces and nephews; and Twenty-four great nieces and nephews.
Alvie was preceded in death by his Mother, Christine Ammons Jones; Father, Alvie F. Jones, Sr.; and brother Clifford Ross Jones.
Houston Chronicle 10/26/2014
Alvie Franklin Jones, Jr. "Buzz Saw" Houston Police Officer (Retired).
Alvie, affectionately known to his family as "Lynn" was born on September 16, 1944 and went to be face to face with The Lord on October 21, 2014, aged 70 years.
Alvie was born in Houston, Texas to Alvie F. Jones, Sr. and Christine Ammons Jones, the second of seven wonderful sons.
Alvie grew up in Pasadena, Texas attending Sam Rayburn High School and graduating in the class of 1966. This is also where he met and was engaged to his lovely wife, Hollis Hurry.
Shortly after graduation, Alvie enlisted in the United States Navy and was deployed. Midway through active service, he and Hollis were married in 1968. His naval service continued until 1970 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunners Mate First Class. Not having enough of the military, he went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Alvie went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Houston, where he worked for 6 years excelling at his job, but desiring something more.
In 1976, after two unsuccessful applications, the Houston Police Department finally lowered their height requirements and he began his career as a Houston Police Officer; a career that unbeknownst to him would make him a legend. It was also here that he would be given the famous nickname with which his legends would be told … "Buzz Saw". It was this 25-year career that would earn "Buzz Saw Jones" a permanent place in Houston and Harris County law enforcement, and in the hearts of Houstonians.
To supplement his income, Alvie soon accepted an extra job that very few officers wanted, directing traffic at the busiest intersection in the entire city (and at one point the busiest in the entire United States), Westheimer at Loop 610, in the Galleria area. He began working two days weekly, but when word spread of his antics and talent it became a permanent assignment. He danced, waved, gestured, yelled, and oh his whistle…. if you listen closely near that intersection, even today you may still hear his ear piercing whistle which was louder than any bought in a store. It was for these heartily entertaining performances and the "show" he put on which earned him his fame. He was constantly discussed on Houston radio, featured in People Magazine, being storied in The Houston Chronicle on numerous occasions (some front page), the topic of articles in the Houston Police periodical "The Badge and Gun", and covered on the nightly Houston news. During the holidays he was often seen in a Santa hat while directing traffic. Regular passers by often pulled into parking lots to simply watch "the show". He even influenced people of note, as Joel Osteen mentions "the dancing traffic cop" in one of his books. He considered it his military duty to stop all traffic and salute dignitaries as they passed through the intersection, his personal most memorable occasion being the salute of President H. W. George Bush, earning him a recent personal letter of thanks and admiration from "Senior" himself. In 2000, Alvie retired honorably with almost 25 years of service to the great city of Houston.
In failing health, Alvie spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice, in Diboll, Texas. A special thanks to Hollis and to Alvie's family for their unwavering support in attending to his constant needs.
Alvie was a wholly dedicated member of Berachah Church for over 45 years. Even in failing health he relentlessly attended or listened to audios to study the Word of God under Pastors Robert B. Thieme, Jr., and Robert B. Thieme, III.
Alvie is survived by his only child, Alvie F. Jones III and his partner Mason Preiss, both of Edmond, Oklahoma: Brothers and Sisters-in-Law, James Harold Jones and wife, Joana of Alto, Texas; Donald Wayne Jones and wife, Helen of Houston, Texas; Marcus Luther Jones and wife, Keri of Alto, Texas; Robert Allen Jones and wife, Gina of Diboll, Texas; Norman Eugene Jones of Humble, Texas; Thirteen nieces and nephews; and Twenty-four great nieces and nephews.
Alvie was preceded in death by his Mother, Christine Ammons Jones; Father, Alvie F. Jones, Sr.; and brother Clifford Ross Jones.
Houston Chronicle 10/26/2014
Alvie, affectionately known to his family as "Lynn" was born on September 16, 1944 and went to be face to face with The Lord on October 21, 2014, aged 70 years.
Alvie was born in Houston, Texas to Alvie F. Jones, Sr. and Christine Ammons Jones, the second of seven wonderful sons.
Alvie grew up in Pasadena, Texas attending Sam Rayburn High School and graduating in the class of 1966. This is also where he met and was engaged to his lovely wife, Hollis Hurry.
Shortly after graduation, Alvie enlisted in the United States Navy and was deployed. Midway through active service, he and Hollis were married in 1968. His naval service continued until 1970 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunners Mate First Class. Not having enough of the military, he went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Alvie went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone in Houston, where he worked for 6 years excelling at his job, but desiring something more.
In 1976, after two unsuccessful applications, the Houston Police Department finally lowered their height requirements and he began his career as a Houston Police Officer; a career that unbeknownst to him would make him a legend. It was also here that he would be given the famous nickname with which his legends would be told … "Buzz Saw". It was this 25-year career that would earn "Buzz Saw Jones" a permanent place in Houston and Harris County law enforcement, and in the hearts of Houstonians.
To supplement his income, Alvie soon accepted an extra job that very few officers wanted, directing traffic at the busiest intersection in the entire city (and at one point the busiest in the entire United States), Westheimer at Loop 610, in the Galleria area. He began working two days weekly, but when word spread of his antics and talent it became a permanent assignment. He danced, waved, gestured, yelled, and oh his whistle…. if you listen closely near that intersection, even today you may still hear his ear piercing whistle which was louder than any bought in a store. It was for these heartily entertaining performances and the "show" he put on which earned him his fame. He was constantly discussed on Houston radio, featured in People Magazine, being storied in The Houston Chronicle on numerous occasions (some front page), the topic of articles in the Houston Police periodical "The Badge and Gun", and covered on the nightly Houston news. During the holidays he was often seen in a Santa hat while directing traffic. Regular passers by often pulled into parking lots to simply watch "the show". He even influenced people of note, as Joel Osteen mentions "the dancing traffic cop" in one of his books. He considered it his military duty to stop all traffic and salute dignitaries as they passed through the intersection, his personal most memorable occasion being the salute of President H. W. George Bush, earning him a recent personal letter of thanks and admiration from "Senior" himself. In 2000, Alvie retired honorably with almost 25 years of service to the great city of Houston.
In failing health, Alvie spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice, in Diboll, Texas. A special thanks to Hollis and to Alvie's family for their unwavering support in attending to his constant needs.
Alvie was a wholly dedicated member of Berachah Church for over 45 years. Even in failing health he relentlessly attended or listened to audios to study the Word of God under Pastors Robert B. Thieme, Jr., and Robert B. Thieme, III.
Alvie is survived by his only child, Alvie F. Jones III and his partner Mason Preiss, both of Edmond, Oklahoma: Brothers and Sisters-in-Law, James Harold Jones and wife, Joana of Alto, Texas; Donald Wayne Jones and wife, Helen of Houston, Texas; Marcus Luther Jones and wife, Keri of Alto, Texas; Robert Allen Jones and wife, Gina of Diboll, Texas; Norman Eugene Jones of Humble, Texas; Thirteen nieces and nephews; and Twenty-four great nieces and nephews.
Alvie was preceded in death by his Mother, Christine Ammons Jones; Father, Alvie F. Jones, Sr.; and brother Clifford Ross Jones.
Houston Chronicle 10/26/2014
