Don J. Jones, Sr.

So many people go through life and strive for recognition, great wealth, awards upon awards, and so many other accomplishments that will be their legacy. There are those individuals who do great works, for sure, but want their legacy to be one of a loving family, loyalty to friends and favor in the eyes of God. For Don Jones, that legacy of 89 years could be symbolized by a simple peppermint candy. Don felt like his mission in life was first to honor the God that created him, love the woman who shared 62 years of his life, and pour love out onto his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. If one met Don once or if you met him every day, he was going to slip his hand in his pocket and slip a simple peppermint candy into your hand. It was his way of saying God loves you and so do I. Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2024, was much like most days this time of year, hot and sticky outside in the heat of another summer day as the seasons transitioned toward fall. Most people agree that trees show their most radiant color as their season of beauty changes into the riot of fall color. Inside in the cool of a hospital room, Don's family held vigil as he peacefully answered the final call God would place on his life. Don obeyed that call, took that outstretched hand and silently slipped into eternity. As we grow older and walk toward that path that will take us into eternal life, many of us reveal our most wonderful traits as we strive to let our love for others burst forth and we want that legacy of love to be our most memorable trait. Don felt he had accomplished his mission of work and love here. Don's journey in this life began July 31, 1935. He was born in Newnan to the late Hal Lyndon Jones, Sr. and his beloved wife Sara Martin Jones. Don lived his whole childhood in the same house. His family farmed the good earth, and they were anchored firmly in their property in northern Coweta County. Back in that day, Don spent three months every year away from school because there were crops to be harvested, cotton to pick, and the everyday task of tending cows. Each of the Jones' boys had his own cow and mule. Mr. Hal and Miss Sara were strict, but incredibly loving and intent on raising their family with an amazing work ethic. They taught them that everything they had was a gift of God and not to be squandered. Don graduated from Newnan High School in 1954. He excelled in baseball and football and was a natural for running hurdles in track, once placing 2nd in the state. He gave his best to anything he attempted. Following high school, Don joined the Navy and Naval Reserves. While he was in the service, he married his beautiful love, Mildred Oliver. They shared 63 years of love, laughter and adventures together. Their life was full; to say the least as together they raised six children. After returning from the Navy, Don had gone to work with his brother Ronald in his grading business. He would later form his own business. After selling his grading business, he went to work for General Motors. A man with a houseful of children needed a job with benefits and a regular paycheck! Like all things he undertook, Don would excel at GM. He became a respected industrial engineer and retired when GM closed the Lakewood Plant. Don was offered a job in several states by GM, but he told his boss he was going home to Newnan. The retirement years for Don and Mildred were filled with the endless activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. The happy couple loved to travel and made memorable trips to Hawaii and Alaska. As the years passed and travel was not an option, the doors to their home wore out the hinges as visitors came and went in an endless stream, much to their delight. Don and Mildred were life-long members of the Newnan First United Methodist Church. They loved their church family in the Henry Kitchens Sunday School. Having their faith grounded in their church gave them a kindred bond with many people whom they loved and who loved them. Life took a serious turn when Don, in 2018, had to surrender his beloved Mildred to the God who had placed her in his life. There was a natural void in his life after her passing, but he chose to fill that void with happy adventures with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every day included a two-hour devotional, breakfast with his granddaughter Megan Ann, countless emails, keeping up with Judge Judy. The days came to an end with Family Feud and the Braves. When he was no longer able to anchor his pew at church, he embraced the idea of an online church which he shared with his son Stephen and grandson Andrew. He anxiously anticipated the twice- daily calls from 'Susta" and Ruth and he enjoyed attending his GM retirement luncheons with his son Clay who he entrusted in everything he needed. Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by his brothers Tommy Jones and Hal Jones, Jr., and his sister Gloria Jones Grenga. Don is survived by his children: Don Jones, Jr., Leslie "Susta" Thomas (and Jeff), Merri Douglas (and Bruce), Stephen Jones, Clayton Jones, Sr.(and Donna), and Ruth Warren (and Tom). He had a heart full of love for his grandchildren Jessica (Cory) Sherman, Sydney Jones, Hunter (Emily) Thomas, Camden (Ryan) Nowicki, Matthew (Olivia) Douglas, Courtney (C.J.) Stanford, Bonnie Douglas, Shannon (Nick) Kimbro, Ashley (Matt) Neely, Abbigail (Charles) Ethier, Andrew Jones, Clay (Hannah) Jones, Jr., Leslie Jones Cooper, MeganAnn (Chaz) Hankee, Isabel Jones, Tayler Warren and Thomas Warren, Jr. and 20 great grandkids. He is survived by his siblings Ronald D. Jones, Sr., Karen Malcolm and Marty (Joy) Jones. It is a daunting task to try to capture such an amazing life of hard work, love, and service to others in a few lines of print on a piece of paper...think, a Goodyear blimp with a scrolling marquee! Don's life on earth was long and he accomplished much. His life will be most remembered for the infinite amount of love he showered on his family and friends, and it is that which will be remembered as his family and friends gather at McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street on Friday, September 13th between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A service of thanksgiving for this good man will be at Newnan First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. Those who may wish to do so, might honor his life by a gift in his memory to First United Methodist church 33 Greenville St. Newnan GA 30263. When we remember this good and Godly man, remember his mints, for sure, but most importantly, remember that he wanted to share the love of the God he served and it was more than just a piece of candy. Amen. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580

Don J. Jones, Sr.

July 31, 1935 - September 8, 2024