Billy Harold Jones, born July 21, 1934, died Saturday, June 28, 2008.
He loved vanilla ice cream. He was real and he loved real people. He could spot a phony a mile away. He was disarmingly truthful (no pun intended), even when it hurt.
Both of his parents was one of 12 siblings and his cousins outnumber the stars. He and his sister, Janice Jones Bogue, had a wonderful childhood in Geneva, where they were surrounded by love of family and community. He greatly honored his parents, William B. Jones and Esther Shields Jones, until their death.
With his pharmacy degree from Auburn University in 1958, he spent 39 years at his trade, but people were his profession. He opened Destin Drug in 1963 and his customers were his friends.
He received many awards and held many important positions, which he would not want listed. Before moving to Fairhope in 2005, he made Destin, Fla., his home for 40 years and tried unsuccessfully to keep it real.
He loved God and his church family, but never made a show of it.
Thirteen years battling cancer did not defeat him. He even enjoyed the five years he spent in dialysis because of the people he met..
His family does not mourn his passing, full with the knowledge he is with his beloved Father in heaven. the only regret is for those who did not know Billy Harold Jones.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Susan Avera Jones; three children, Christopher A. Jones, Amy (Mike) Long and Matthew (Franny) Jones; three grandchildren, Chandler, Maggie and Jack; many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 1 at Grace Anglican Church. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 2 at the church in Fairhope. Interment followed at Montrose Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Service, Daphne. Online condolences can be made at hughesfuneralservice.com.
