Walter Danny Jones, 70, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died on Friday, February 17, 2017.
Born on December 20, 1946, son of Walter K. Jones and Helen Jones, Danny soon became known for his unrivaled level of mischief with his sisters and cousins. There are stories of roller skates and bb guns… From his early days as lifeguard at the Community Center in high school to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Danny was constantly in the pursuit of prosperity and embodied the phrase, “from humble beginnings come great things.” As we mourn Danny’s departure, let’s not forget to celebrate the life of this unique and complex man.
Danny and Debbie
Danny met his high school sweet heart, Deborah Danise Duff (Debbie Jones) at Bradley Central High School and soon became one on November 23rd, 1966. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary November 23rd, 2016 at the Fairyland Club, one of Dan and Deb’s favorite spots with immediate family in attendance.
The Boys
Soon thereafter, Danny and Debbie started their own family with the birth of their first son, Michael Duff Jones followed very speedily by their second son, Daniel Dustin Jones. Danny was super supportive of both his sons and encouraged them both to be industrialists as well.
The Man
As a small business owner, he employed over 500 employees in the Tennessee Valley from 1983 to 2010. Danny was held in high regard by his employees and known to all as being accessible, open, honest and giving.
His philanthropy efforts include The Cleveland Boys and Girls Club, The Elks Lodge, Turtle Will Foundation, Hart Gallery for the Homeless and Global Giving.
The Traveler
Danny and Debbie both loved to travel and learning about the cultures they were immersed in.
Danny travelled to over 50 countries in his short life with his favorites being the 1997 visit to Niger, West Africa with the nomadic Wodaabe tribe, Cappadocia in Turkey, Easter Island, viewing the northern lights in Alaska, and his most recent journeys in the past 3 years - transatlantic crossing to Norway and St. Petersburg Russia, transpacific crossing to Japan and Trans Canadian railway adventure.
The Loss
Walter Dan Jones was lost last Friday due to complications from his battle with COPD. He fought valiantly but was finally overcome, may he rest in peace.
Walter Dan Jones was preceded in death by Walter K. and Helen Crumley Jones, Ann Jones Green and Golda Jones.
He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Danise Jones; sons, Michael Duff Jones (Mary Beth Webb), Daniel Dustin & Kimberly Lynn Jones; sisters, Vivian (Bick) Johnson and Yvonne (Robert) Chastain; grandchildren, Mary Abigail Jones, Michael Moss Jones, Kiersten Reed Jones and Julian Sutton Jones; nieces and nephews, Kevin (Tresea) Green, Jenny Green, Mandy (Chip) Manning, Sarah (Josh) Crispin and Josh Longwith; and special aunt, Willie (Daryll) Gregg.
Visitation will be held at the Historic Fillauer Lake House, Friday, February 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. Toasts to Danny Jones, are scheduled at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 followed by a bag pipe procession.
The family of Walter Dan Jones wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. John Jaggers III and the SICU staff, led by Amy Frederick @ Tennova Healthcare for the care and attention to our loved one in his time of need.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, as Danny was an avid reader.
Companion Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.