Zander B. Jones was born July 17, 1941 in Limestone County, Alabama to Josiah and Carrie Lee Jones.
He confessed hope in Christ at an early age. He was raised in the admonition of the Lord. Years later, he joined Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Zander was a faithful member serving as a deacon in the Men’s Fellowship and The Male Chorus.
Zander was a 1962 graduate of Trinity High School in Athens, Alabama. He furthered his education receiving certification in Auto Mechanics. After which he acquired a job at Exxon and worked there for many years.
Then, he transitioned into his second career as a technician for the City of Huntsville Traffic Engineering Department in Huntsville. Alabama. Zander was given high accolades for being “A faithful and outstanding employee for 37 years of service”. His work ethic was, Arrive thirty minutes early and never miss a day.”
Fitz, as he was fondly called by family and friends, had a deep passion for airplanes. He took many trips to The Huntsville International Airport to watch the planes take off and land. He often speculated about how such a large vehicle could fly through the air at great speeds, what’s the size of those tires, and what does the cockpit look like? His inquisitiveness was unstoppable but never compelled him to step on a plane for he would rather look at them than ride.
Zander was an outdoorsman and sportsman. His favorite pastimes were fishing and riding his motorcycle. He would sit outdoors or tinker with cars, bikes, or anything with an engine to stay busy. He would plant flowers, fix, build or do whatever was needed to keep him outside. His most treasured moments were spent in his backyard.
Fitz was a walking storybook. He often told stories of yesteryear, gave words of wisdom, or antecedents about family. His greatest pleasure was telling stories about family patriarchs and matriarchs. During storytelling, his sense of humor and big smile often had everyone roaring with laughter. Fitz was truly an entertainer. Fitz’s stories were also centered on his children and their offspring, which he dearly loved. He spent many precious moments talking to them about life’s lessons, giving insightful leadership and advice on how to live a Godly life. His heart was filled with great joy watching them mature and advance into well rounded productive citizens.
Zander was preceded in death by his parents, Josiah and Carrie Lee Jones; his brother, Willie Lee Jones and his wife, Jean Mitchell Jones.
Loving memories of him will be cherished by his sons: Jackie (Reather) Jones of Mustang, Oklahoma, Danny (Sherrice) Hughes, Huntsville, Alabama: his daughter: Bernice (Michael) Thatch of Belle Mina, AL; his favorite aunt: Fannie Matthews of Madison, Alabama; a stepson: Tommie (Kim) Mitchell, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama; a stepdaughter: Annie Ruth Mitchell, Huntsville, Alabama. Also he leaves to cherish his memories great grandchildren: (Jackie’s Clan) Erica Horton, Tameka Jones, Adrienne Jones, and Joseph Jones, (Danny’s Clan): Terry Hughes, Daniel Hughes, Alicia Hughes, Jackie Hughes, Latoya Hughes, and Kendra Hughes, (Bernice’s Clan): Sharonda Thatch and Anthony (Latisha) Thatch, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (2403 Oakwood Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Pastor Endia J. Scruggs officiating. Interment will be in the Madison Memory Gardens. Deacon Jones will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013; and from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Royal Funeral Home.
