Willis R Jones

Statesboro, GA

Veteran, Business Owner

Willis R. Jones, age 96, beloved husband and father, passed away February 23, 2020 at home under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. A resident of Statesboro since 1964, Mr. Jones was born in Evans County on February 24, 1924. He was the second son of Martha Corey Jones and Daniel Webster Jones. Mr. Jones was a 1941 graduate of Claxton High and an honorable member of the Greatest Generation having served in the U. S. Army for four years during World War II in the Far East, Pacific and Okinawa. After his military service he worked on the construction of the interstate highway system in eight different states: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Georgia. Mr. Jones was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. For over twenty-five years, he was in business for himself in the excavating and grading business. He was very proud of his sons, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He loved spending time with them. Mr. Jones was of the Baptist faith who loved the Lord and was ready to meet his Maker.

The family would like to express appreciation to Ogeechee Area Hospice and to caregivers Nara Huff, Betty Palmer, Gloria Pope, Rosa Rawls, Monica Scott and Andrea Webb.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his two siblings, Donald Odel Jones and Mildred Jones Austin.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Niza George Jones; two sons and daughters in law, Danny and Dottie Jones of Statesboro and John and Donna Jones of Valdosta; six grandchildren, Russell Jones (Meredith), Adam Jones (Hailey), Bonnie Jones Ryckman (Judson), David Jones (Maryanna), Sally Jones and Kelly Jones; ten great grandchildren, Daniel, Davis and John Russell Jones, Duncan, Portland and Mabel Jones, Vivian and Henry Ryckman, and Dickson and Graham Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Deal Funeral Directors with Dr. H. William Perry officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 1:00 until the hour of the service at 2:00 P.M. at Deal Funeral Directors.

Burial will follow the service at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Willis Russell Jones, Daniel Adam Jones, David Hautman Jones and Judson Douglas Ryckman; nephews, Henry Pinckney Austin, Jr., Robert M. Austin and John Franco; additionally serving will be Clayton Anderson.

Memorials may be made in the honor of Mr. Willis R. Jones to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459.