Alton David Jones Sr., 81, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at the Warner Center-Community Hospice Nassau in Fernandina Beach following an extended illness.
A native of Yulee, he was the son of the late Benjamin Edward and Dorothy Davis Jones. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Maudie Pope Jones.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gloria Harter Jones; brother, Marvin Edward Jones (Mary Ann) of Fernandina Beach; sister, Gail Jones Haddock of Port St. Joe, Fla.; daughter, Cheryle Jones Blanchard (Keith) of Napoleonville, La.; sons, Alton David Jones Jr. (Janet) of Mountain Home, Idaho, Mark Tracey Jones (Diane) of Napoleonville, Daniel Cole Peterson (Amy) of Jacksonville, and Adam Spencer Peterson (Kelly) of Yulee; 12 grandchildren, Miranda, Sherri, Amanda, Randy, Melanie, Mallory, Nicholas, Gracie, Raelee, Carson, Levi and Addilyn, with two grandchildren preceding him in death, David and Brandy; 12 great-grandchildren, Dillon, Beaux, Tyler, Ashlyn, Chiquita, Orry, Christian, Nicole, Hailey, Ryan, Madison and Bailey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Alton was a graduate of Yulee High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball. Alton was fortunate to be selected as one of Nassau County’s Top 50 Athletes. In the 1970s, he was busy coaching his sons on their Little League teams.
Mr. Jones served his country in the Army from 1955 to 1957. His last rank was specialist third class. He was employed with Lucent Technologies for 47 years.
Through the years, his leisure time was spent fishing, hunting and taking family vacations. In his retired years, he could be found on the golf course with his buddies two to three times a week.
Alton was very active in church, serving as a deacon. He served as chairman of deacons numerous times at Springhill Baptist and Blackrock Baptist churches for many years.
Alton’s caring nature was apparent to all who knew him. He will always be remembered for his strong devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. His kind, loving and gentle spirit will be missed by family and friends.
A celebration of his home going will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Blackrock Baptist Church in Yulee. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Springhill Baptist Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in the form of a donation to the Blackrock Baptist Church Vision Fund or Northeast Florida Community Hospice.
Eternity Funeral Home and Cremations – Nassau