Perry Don Jones’ faith became sight, on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Born on February 19, 1939, in Jasper, Alabama, to Perry Dale Jones and Mary Tela Ingle Jones, Perry
grew up with his three sisters—Mary Dale, JoAnn, and Ginny—on the family’s Jones Dairy Farm. His
childhood was filled with hard work, church dinners on the ground and hog-killing days at the old home
place followed by large family gatherings. Perry was baptized and attended the First Baptist Church of
Jasper with his family.
He graduated from Walker County High School in 1957. To celebrate, he and his friends acquired a
donated 50-gallon drum of gas from the local station and spent the weekend water skiing on the Warrior
River.
Perry went on to study at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he earned a Bachelor of
Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1961. His engineering career began at Boeing in Seattle, WA. In
1964, he worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, as a NASA engineer, contributing to the Saturn
V rocket program. He later joined Lockheed in Marietta, GA, where he helped perfect the wing design
of the C-5B aircraft. Eventually, Perry started his own fiberglass manufacturing business in North
Georgia, where he spent many fulfilling years alongside his brother-in-law, Don Sanford.
“PJ,” as he was affectionately known enjoyed life in North Georgia: water-skiing, riding motorcycles,
and raising his family. His life reached new joy and fulfillment when he met the love of his life, Sherry
Horton, an Alabama native who made his heart whole. Married for 38 years, their journey together was
marked by adventure and laughter—whether water-skiing, riding motorcycles, enjoying gospel music,
bicycling along the Silver Comet Trail, or performing their unforgettable “Sonny and Cher”
impersonation. Perry often said, “Sherry is my Savior and Angel. God sent her to me.” Their love was
inseparable and an inspiration to all who knew them.
God called Perry’s heart to Spring Creek Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia, where he served for many
years as the Audio/Visual Technician for the church. Sherry served as Ministry Assistant. In later years,
Perry and Sherry became members of The Fellowship of Albertville, Alabama.
Perry is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Sherry Horton Jones; his children Krista Hackler
(Ronald), Kelli Javan (Chris), Eric Young, and Denise Young; ten grandchildren; seven great-
grandchildren; and his sister, JoAnn Byram. He is also remembered fondly by many extended family
members and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Michela Kay Jones; his parents, Perry
Dale and Mary Tela Ingle Jones and Euna Estes Jones; his sisters, Mary Dale Sanford and Ginny Small;
and his in-laws, Robert and Virginia Gibbs Horton.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Hospice of North Georgia for their attentive love
and care.
Perry will be laid to rest Saturday, August 30, 4:00 p.m. at Marshall Memorial Gardens, 3368 AL. Hwy.
205, Albertville, Alabama 35950, with Graveside services by Dr. Donald Cotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Perry Don Jones to the Dementia
Society of America at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.
