Carl F. Jones, Jr., 92, died on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital.
A native of Greeneville, TN, Carl was born on July 31, 1925, the son of the late Carl F. Jones, Sr. and Grace Ethel Beatrice Cox Jones. He was married to Grace Jones who preceded him in death.
In 1943, at eighteen years of age, Carl enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. After completing recruit training, he was quickly deployed to war efforts which included a tour to the Solomon Islands and the Battle of the Philippines. As a seasoned combat veteran still in his teen years, Corporal Jones received orders to take part in one the largest amphibious assaults of the Pacific Theater during World War II, The Battle of Okinawa.
Serving with distinction, Cpl. Jones was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant in only two short years of service. Receiving additional responsibilities as a Non-Commissioned Officer, Carl was given orders to Guard Duty during the time where the Imperial Japanese Army surrendered to Allied Forces in August of 1945. He was present to witness the Treaty being signed by the Japanese government, which was symbolic in ending one of the bloodiest conflicts in the history.
After his service, Carl started a family and spent thirty-five years in retail management with S. H. Dress and Kessler’s in West Point, GA, as well as, later owning several businesses, including the Western Sizzlin in both North and South Jackson as well as, three others in two other states. He was instrumental in founding the Marine Corps League of Jackson, TN and served as the commandant for two years. He and his wife were also major contributors of the Jackson Theatre Guild, the Jackson Symphony League, the Miss Tennessee Pageant and Lambuth University. He founded the Grace Jones Memorial Scholarship at Lambuth University and supported the Lambuth University Theatre Association. He was a member of Northside United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Teresa J. Smith and husband Dr. Charles B. Smith of Jackson, TN; a son, Carl F. Jones III and his wife Angel Seeley Jones of Jackson, TN; two sisters, Wanda J. Crumley of Smithfield, NC and Louise J. Reece and husband Bob of Newbern, NC a sister-in-law, Susan Jones of Birmingham, AL and six grandchildren, Lalania S. Vaughn and husband Cary E., Matthew Goodman, Carlie Yancey and husband Brad, Caitlyn Poindexter and husband Justin, Connor Jones and Seeley Jones and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack L. Jones and a sister Betty K. Bishop.
SERVICES: A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Northside United Methodist Church with Dr. Don Thrasher officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Highland Memorial Gardens, with full military honors.
The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Arrington Funeral Directors and on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church.
The family is requesting that memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway 668-1111www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com
