William P. Jones

1927 - 2024

William P. "Bill" Jones left us peacefully Saturday, March 2, 2024, with his family at his side, to join Shirley, his beloved wife of 65 years. He was 96 years old. Bill was a loving and devoted husband to Shirley and father to his children Judd, Kim, and Marcie. Born April 11, 1927, Bill served honorably as a Marine during World War II, enlisting a few days after turning 17 in 1944. Shortly after completing Boot Camp, he was deployed to Iwo Jima. He subsequently fought in Okinawa and Guam. Ranked as expert for all shooting ranges, he was later selected to serve as a bodyguard for Admiral John Towers, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific theater. After the war ended, Bill returned to the Pittsburgh area and enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh. Upon completion of his science program at Pitt, he was employed by Harbison- Walker Refractories (Dresser Industries). Bill began as a warehouse manager, but quickly rose through the ranks to become the senior refractories sales representative on the east coast. During his tenure, he obtained at least four patents related to ceramic engineering. He was a life-long athlete enjoying everything from figure skating to tennis and golf. He was an avid reader, musician, naturalist, amateur astronomer, and novelist. He is mourned by his children, Judd Jones (Ann Wayburn), Kim Jones (Bob Boudreau), and Marcie Miller (Mike); grandchildren, Jesse Jones Gray (Caitlin), Jentry Indigo Jones, Morgan Miller, Madison Miller, and Michael Miller; great-grandchildren, Darcy Gray and Emerson Gray; and brothers, Bob Jones (Sue) and Don Jones. "Of a generation of great men, he was one of the best." May he rest in peace, and dwell in the House of the Lord forever. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in Peters Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will take place Monday, May 20, and will be private. Please add tributes at beinhauer.com