Harry Jefferson Jones Jr., 92, of Rockmart, Ga. died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013.
Harry was born to Elizabeth Bell and Harry Sr. on May 28, 1921 in Atlanta.
Harry served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1944. He was on the Army softball team and a golden glove boxer.
Harry received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Emory University in 1948 and his law degree from Woodrow Wilson Law School in 1957.
Harry was introduced to Dora Lou Matteson by his best friend and future sister-in-law, Marson and Katie Dunaway. They were engaged two weeks later and married in 1947.
Harry worked with his father, Harry Sr., and brother, John S. Jones., at Southern Door and Plywood Co. in Atlanta until he retired to recreational cattle farming in 1987.
Harry survived a farming accident in 1997 resulting in a shattered pelvis, but due to his excellent health and immeasurable stubbornness, he regained his ability to walk.
Harry had an appetite for life. With a loud voice and a big heart, he and Lou traveled the world, always bringing back stories to tell and retell to the family. In all parts of the world, Harry communicated in loud English and louder Spanish, regardless of the native tongue.
He had a deep appreciation for education (as many degrees as you could get), history (with a special affinity to his version), spirituality (formed mostly from the book of John), good food (cooked by Lou), good wine (poured with a heavy hand) and flamenco dancers.
It was commonplace to see him laugh to the point of tears, and for the beginning of his sentence to interrupt the middle of yours.
Harry served his country, church, community and above all, his family. He loved watching his family grow and thought of his sons-in-law as his own and reveled in his grandchildren’s every action.
He lived 92 years and lived well. He now leaves the celebration to his loved ones.
His memories and legacy continue with his wife, Lou Matteson Jones; his daughters, Joy (Jerry) Ward and Jan (Schuyler) Pryor; six grandchildren, Dora (Mitch) Curry, Rebekah Ward, Lou Pryor, Katie Pryor, Schuyler Pryor and Ida Pryor; and two great-grandchildren, Joy and Thomas Curry.
Remembrance celebration will be 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at First United Methodist Church of Rockmart, Ga. at 135 Church St.
His request was “no flowers, no fuss.” Instead, the family asks for a donation to a charity of your choice, or take your family out to dinner (but please, “don’t overcook the meat.”)
His loved ones can be assured that Harry was ready to move to what’s next, and did so in his own time, seeing how a tractor couldn’t even take him down.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley.
