Willis Jones Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Willis Howard Jones passed away peacefully in his home in Johnson City, TN at 11AM on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in the company of his son, Brian Jones, daughter-in-law, Sarah Smith, and close friends, George and Lesley Gradek.

Willis was born in Greeneville, TN on September 7, 1941, to Nancy Pauline McGhee and John F. Jones. He was a graduate of Greeneville High School.

He volunteered his service to the Army from 1961-1964 as a Radio Engineer in Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Willis' earthly love was his wife Regina Kay Jones, and they were married from February 14, 1982 until her death on January 8, 2014, having one son, Brian McGhee Jones.

Willis was a disciple of Jesus Christ. He did not have an affiliation with any denomination as he believed faith did not require membership. The three passages that he requested be read to him toward the end of his earthly life were Micah 6:8, Matthew 6:9-13 and Hebrews 4. Willis loved to share his faith with others and could often be found discussing Matthew 13:36-43 (The Good Seed).

Willis worked and retired from the Sherwin-Williams Company after 35 years of service. He was always an entrepreneur at heart and opened many small businesses: Classic Billiards (Johnson City), Silver Chords Dulcimer & Gift Shop (Jonesborough and Erwin) and Willis Jones Photography (Johnson City).

Willis had three hobbies he loved: billiards, photography and mountain dulcimers. He was a certified BSA billiard instructor. He loved mountains, streams and waterfalls and was an accomplished photographer. He loved music and, inspired by his Appalachian heritage, learned to play and teach the mountain dulcimer.

Willis was preceded in death by his wife Kay Jones and his brother Johnny D. Jones of Greeneville, TN.

Willis is survived by his son, Brian Jones (Sarah) of Memphis, TN, brothers James Jones (Belinda) of Lexington, SC and Nathan Jones (Wanda) of Greeneville, TN and sister-in-law Carolyn Williams of Johnson City, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 PM Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough, TN. The family will receive friends at 11:30 AM prior to the service.

Internment services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Mike Broyles, George Gradek, Brian Jones, James Jones, Nathan Jones and Wayne Mast.

Condolences may be sent to the Jones family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821