Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones is a native of Laurel, MS, and a graduate of Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. He is also a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA and a graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. Dr. Jones also holds an honorary doctorate from the Montgomery Bible Institute and Theological Center in Montgomery, AL. In 1996, he retired from USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service as a State Resource Conservationist in Alabama, completing a career spanning 27 years of service.

In 1993, Dr. Jones was called as the Pastor of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, Alabama. This church has grown from a membership of 300 to over 1,000 members. In addition to the growth of the membership, the construction of a Worship Center and Family Life Center has been completed with a cost of over $6 million. A Veteran Memorial has been constructed on the campus of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church to honor Veterans who served in each branch of the military. He has a long, extensive connection with veterans in Alabama and nationwide. Some activities representing this connection are: speaker for the Clergy and Veteran Conference at Auburn High School, speaker for National Webinar for Army One, hosting a VA Mental Health Summit at Greater Peace, and speaking at this event; presented on The Stigma of Moral Injuries to veterans in Montgomery, AL; speaker at the Extreme Civility Retreat in Washington, D.C.; participation with Warrior Outreach Promoting Strong Veterans and Families, along with a host of other activities.

In 2000, Dr. Jones founded the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC), a 501©(3) non-profit. Through the GOCDC, the following activities have been created: Youth Leadership Academy; Grater Peace Child Development Center; a STEM afterschool program; Summer Education Enrichment Program (Camp S.E.E.P); an Adult Education (GED) program; construction of the Jordan’s Gate community, an affordable housing community for low to moderate-income families consisting of 48 three and four bedroom houses totaling over $9.3 million; and obtained a $77,0000 grant from USDA-Rural Development to establish a Farmers Market and Community Garden.

Dr. Jones has served and continues to serve on numerous boards in several capacities, along with receiving countless rewards and recognitions. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, INC. He also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist State Convention and president of 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika. He is currently a member of the East Alabama Food Bank Advisory Board, Salvation Army Board, and Mercy Medical Clinic Board. He has previously served as President of the Southeast District of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention; President of the Alabama Association of Community Development Corporations; President of Lee County, Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Board; member of Lee County Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board; member of Children Policy Council; and member of the Owens Center Counseling Board.

He is married to Lillie, and they have two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, golf, listening to classical music, and helping people.