Mr. Joe Charles Jones, age 84 of Jonesboro, left this world to meet his savior, surrounded by his family and pastor, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. “Pappy”, as he was known by all of his family, was born on January 12, 1936 in Jonesboro, Louisiana to Reg and Fannie Joe (King) Jones.
He received his education degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1958 and taught driver education in the Jackson Parish School System for the next 35 years. On June 17, 1961, Joe married the love of his life, Nancy Elizabeth Melton and they raised three children.
Mr. Joe was an avid supporter of all sports in Jackson Parish but he held a special place in his heart for the athletic program at Jonesboro-Hodge High School where he could always be seen in attendance, regardless of sport, even during the days of his declining health.
With his “Spirit Club” by his side, Pappy’s high-spirited voice could be heard throughout the crowds keeping the officials on their toes. From 1958 until 2008, Pappy missed only one J-H football game and that was due to him being hospitalized. Up until his retirement, Pappy volunteered to drive J-H students and players alike to the games.
Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his mother and father; his in-laws, Cy and Mildred Melton and brother-in-law, Wayne Melton. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy; Son, Ken Jones (Terry); Jill Jones Hampton (Cliff); Janet Jones Carter (Eric); grandchildren, Dusty Hampton (Heather), Rhen Jones (Rebecca), Holly Hampton Dodson (Justin), Rhett Jones, Cody Carter, Nicole Carter, Tyler Carter, Olivia Kate Carter; Great Grandchildren, Cy and Saylor Hampton, Corey Carter, Aria and Avery Dodson, Emmalyn Jones; brother, William Paul Jones (Billie Faye); sister-in-law, Enid Barr Melton; niece, Paula Jones Williams; Nephews, Bill Jones and Shane Melton; and a host of cousins and friends.
A public walk-through viewing was held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro from 1PM until 3 PM followed by a graveside service at 3:30 PM at the Garden of Memories in Jonesboro with Rev. Randy Dark officiating.