Ernest F. Jones Sr., 88, of Cleveland, TN, passed away Saturday morning May 25, 2013 at his residence.
He was a member of East Side church of Christ for 76 years, where upon hearing the gospel believed (Hebrews ll:6) , repented (Luke 13:3), confessed Christ (Matthew 10:32 and was baptized (Roman 6: 3&4). He was a member of DAV for over 40 years where he served as chaplain for four years. He was also a member of the Oak Grove Ruritan Club where he served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Board. He was retired from Hardwick Stove Company with forty two years of service. He was a veteran of WWII where he received five Battle Stars; Normandy, St. Lauie, Bastonie, Battle of the Bulge and Rhine River.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Libby” Jones; a sister, Lois Rogers; four brothers, Lloyd, James, Benjamin and Otis Jones; grandson, Gary Eugene Jones; and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Jones.
He is survived by three sons, Ernest Jones, Jr. and wife Catherine of Gadsden, AL, Gerald Lee Jones and wife Joyce of Old Fort, TN, H. Gary Jones and wife Angela of Cleveland; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Geneva Jones; special brother-in-law, Herman Rush; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jones and Esta Mae Jones; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May, 28, at 3 p.m. at East Side church of Christ with Don Clowers and Ministers Jeff Archey and Bill Maynard officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Ernest Franklin Jones III, Lee Jones, Chris Jones, Brian Jones, Tipton Jones and Avery Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Elders of East Side church of Christ. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors. A White Dove Release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends Monday, May 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements, and on Tuesday, May 29, from 2-3 p.m. at the church.