Buck Jones

1937 - 2025

Born in Sunflower County, Mississippi to W.T. and Beulah Jones, Buck lived in that area until he completed high school. After graduation, he left Sunflower County to join the army and was stationed in several southeastern states. After his two-year commitment to the U.S. Army, he returned to Sunflower County and married Bettye Jo McClellan in 1959.

In 1960, Buck enrolled at Sunflower Community College and participated the inaugural class of students studying drafting. There he prepared for what would become his life's work designing and constructing commercial buildings.

December 7, 1964, was a pivotal date in Buck's life. Badly injured in a plane crash, his wife was spared. In the days following, upon recognition that his life must have purpose, he began to intentionally follow Christ and to lead his family to do likewise. The family was active in the First Baptist Church of Belzoni, Mississippi where he served as a deacon and in other ways fitting with his gifts.

The Jones family came to Clinton, Mississippi in 1970. A few years later, Buck went into business for himself. The devoted husband and father remained supportive of his wife and children in their endeavors while working hard to establish the business,

Buck and Jo have been members of Morrison Heights Baptist Church since coming to Clinton. They have served in many capacities and made lifetime friends there who remain dear.

His love for people made Busk a wonderful host. He and Jo made a peaceful and comfortable home where they have practiced superb hospitality. Whether the guest list was a few or a few dozen, Buck's enthusiasm and his anticipation of the opportunity to share the blessings of food, family, friendship, and often, the back porch, brought out the very best in him.

Buck's parents and four older siblings preceded him in death. His daughter Jolynne Jones Burns went to be with the Lord in 1999.

He is survived by Jo, his wife of 66 years; his daughter, Jackie Massey (Ray); his granddaughter Kayleigh Burns; and former son-in-law Craig Burns.

The family will receive guests at Morrison Heights Baptist Church at 3000 Hampstead Boulevard in Clinton on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life service follows at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be pleased to have memorial donations made to the Growing Together fund at Morrison Heights Baptist Church.