William Jones

JONES, William "Bill" Oscar

William "Bill" Oscar Jones, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at his home on Hope Plantation, Johns Island, South Carolina. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Juanita Groseclose Jones; his son, Cody Shannon Jones; and his stepson, Jason Gray Groseclose.

Bill was born on February 25, 1931, to Lois Truman McKissick and John Henry Jones in Elberton, Georgia, where he was raised and graduated from high school. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in July 1959. Following his military service, Bill attended and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

He went on to build a distinguished career in advertising in Atlanta, Georgia, and later became the owner and operator of several FM and AM radio stations in Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina—including WEZL Radio, which became the number-one country music station in the nation. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him into commercial real estate, where he owned and managed shopping centers in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Bill's drive, integrity, and leadership earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond his professional success, Bill was passionate about life on the water. He loved sailing his boat out of Bohicket Marina and spent many years living on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Summers were often enjoyed in Cashiers, North Carolina, where he and Juanita cherished their time together and where Bill played tennis daily. He was also a lifelong member of the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, Georgia, where he regularly played tennis with close friends.

Bill is survived by his granddaughter, Jessica Jones Simpson, and great-grandson, Owen Snelling Simpson, both of Charleston, South Carolina; and his step-grandson, Christian Grayson Groseclose of Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Franklin Jones.

A burial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Jones Family Cemetery in Elberton, Georgia, located behind Magnolia Estates, 68 College Avenue. The Rev. Tim Adams will officiate.

Bill will be laid to rest among his distinguished ancestors. His great-grandfather, John Henry Jones, was instrumental in the early development of downtown Elberton, helping to establish the First National Bank and securing the Seaboard Silk Mill for the city in 1926—the only mill of its kind in the South. He also served as Justice of the Superior Court from 1853 to 1857 and later played a key role in laying the railroad tracks throughout northeast Georgia, naming several towns along the way, including Lavonia, Georgia, in honor of his wife. Bill will be buried alongside his great-grandfather, John Henry Jones, Lavonia Jones, and their daughter, Georgia Jones.

Bill's legacy of service, integrity, and determination will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, Georgia is in charge of local arrangements.