Panola College Foundation Recognizes Cassity Jones

On March 8, 2006, the Panola College Foundation Board held a luncheon to thank Mr. Cassity Jones for his most recent gift to the College. Accompanied by his family, Mr. Jones listened as Dr. Gregory S. Powell, President of Panola College, Mr. Dave Gorrie, Panola College Foundation Chair and the Foundation Board expressed their gratitude to Mr. Jones for his $30,000 donation to complete the “Spirit of Panola” statue.

Mr. Jones was born in Long Branch, Texas, in 1918.  His father died when he was young, leaving his mother with two boys, two girls, and an annual cotton crop to raise. In spite of the fact that his family was living in poverty, his mother had a dream that all of her children would get a college education. Mr. Jones wanted to live up to his mother's dream and through pure hard work and determination, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in Industrial Education. Later he served his country during WWII as a radio operator on B-26s in the European Theater. After the war he returned home to Panola County.  In 1948, he joined the Panola Jr. College faculty teaching engineering drawing. At that time there were 185 students enrolled. Mr. Jones eventually left the College to pursue several business opportunities. In the 70s, Mr. Jones started a chain of hardware stores known as Cassity Jones Lumber and Hardware. The first store was built in Carthage, Texas.

“Mr. Jones has strong ties to Panola County. He was one of our original faculty members and his life story is inspirational and one that our students will benefit from hearing,” said Dr. Powell. “When complete, the statue, “Spirit of Panola,” will represent the character and determination of leaders such as Mr. Jones who believe in Panola College and the benefits that a well educated citizenry bring to our community.”

The statue of the pony was designed by world-renowned artist and sculptor, Mr. Bob Harness. Mr. Harness is a resident of Carthage. His works include the larger than life size bronze statue of Tex Ritter and his horse, White Flash, located in front of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, a statue of Martin Luther King for the City of Shreveport, and “Christ on Cross” for St. Mary's Catholic Church of Longview, Texas. Mrs. Jane Reynolds and Mrs. Dorothy Clay assisted Mr. Harness with the project and were also recognized for their contributions.

When asked to comment on the statue, Dr. Powell responded “Our goal is to have the statue in place before school begins in August. The mold of the statue has been delivered to a foundry in Oklahoma, and the project is proceeding on schedule. The statue will be prominently displayed at the northwest corner of the College campus in a landscaped area where alumni, students, faculty, and the community can enjoy it.”