Jerry D. Jones

With a heavy heart, we share the news of the passing of Jerry Donald Jones, a good man, a loving husband, and a pillar of the community. Born on March 28, 1939, in Columbus, Ga., he was called home to the Lord on July 11, 2023, in Cataula, Ga.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2023 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family with receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Friday at the funeral home. A private interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery.

Jerry was a man of humble beginnings and strong principles. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus, Ga. and built a life of purpose and respect, guided by his unwavering faith and his love for his fellow man. He was one the proud owners of the Lewis Jones Food Market, a cornerstone of our community, where he served with kindness and integrity, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. His work was not just a job, but a calling, a way to serve his neighbors and friends, making their days a little brighter.

Jerry was a man of many passions. He loved the open green fields of the golf course, the serenity of farming, and the joy of exploring new places with his beloved wife. His zest for life was contagious, and he had a knack for making every day feel like a special occasion. His laughter was infectious, his spirit was indomitable, and his heart was as vast as the Georgia sky.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Ina Faye Chambliss Jones, his parents, A. Lewis Jones and Helon Louise Jones and his brother and sister-in-law, Ned Jones and Jean Jones Phillips.

Survivors include wife, Fran W. Jones, his children, Kenneth (Susan) Jones and their children, Josh, Jamie (Nick), Amanda (Walt), Lyndsey, Conrad (Lauren), Barret (Tiffany) and Sidney (Daniel), Laura (Russell) Riddick and their children, Christopher (Paige) and Brad, Lisa (Ricky) Turnage and their children, Ryan (Paige) and Lauran (Ryne), Betsy (Wally) McDonald and their children, Samantha, Miranda, Luke and Wren, Paul (Jennifer) Jones and their children Justin and Jason, Kenneth (Lynn) Jeffries and their children, Kenny (Nicole), Jonathan (Kim), Kimberly (Jay) and Cindy, Gary (Lori) Jeffries and their child Niki (Michael) and his brother Cary Jones and his wife Jeri.  Jerry is also survived by 33 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

In his passing, we remember not just the man he was, but the lives he touched, the love he shared, and the joy he brought into this world. Jerry Donald Jones was a beacon of light in our community, a man who lived his life with purpose and love. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life, for he truly was a blessing to us all.

May the good Lord welcome him with open arms, and may his soul find eternal peace. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on in our hearts and in the community he loved so much.