Willis Howard Jones

1941 - 2023

JONESBOROUGH - Willis Howard Jones passed away Sunday at 11 a.m. peacefully in his home in Johnson City while in the company of his son, Brian Jones, daughter-in-law, Sarah Smith, and close friends, George and Lesley Gradek.

Willis was born Sept. 7, 1941, in Greeneville to Nancy Pauline McGhee and John F. Jones.

He was a graduate of Greeneville High School.

He volunteered his service to the U.S. Army from 1961-64 as a Radio Engineer in Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Willis' earthly love was his wife, Regina Kay Jones, and they were married from Feb. 14, 1982, until her death on Jan. 8, 2014, having one son, Brian McGhee Jones.

Willis was a disciple of Jesus Christ. He did not have an affiliation with any denomination as he believed faith did not require membership. The three passages that he requested be read to him toward the end of his earthly life were Micah 6:8, Matthew 6:9-13 and Hebrews 4. Willis loved to share his faith with others and could often be found discussing Matthew 13:36-43 (The Good Seed).

Willis worked and retired after 35 years of service from the Sherwin-Williams Company. He was always an entrepreneur at heart and opened many small businesses: Classic Billiards (Johnson City), Silver Chords Dulcimer & Gift Shop (Jonesborough and Erwin) and Willis Jones Photography (Johnson City).

Willis had three hobbies he loved: billiards, photography and mountain dulcimers. He was a certified BSA billiard instructor. He loved mountains, streams and waterfalls and was an accomplished photographer. He loved music and, inspired by his Appalachian heritage, learned to play and teach the mountain dulcimer.

Willis was preceded in death by his wife: Kay Jones; and his brother: Johnny D. Jones of Greeneville.

Willis is survived by his son: Brian (Sarah) Jones of Memphis; brothers: James (Belinda) Jones of Lexington, South Carolina, and Nathan Jones (Wanda) of Greeneville; and a sister-in-law: Carolyn Williams of Johnson City.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough. Funeral services will be follow at 12:30 p.m. in Dillow-Taylor Chapel.

Internment services will immediately follow at 2 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Mike Broyles, George Gradek, Brian Jones, James Jones, Nathan Jones and Wayne Mast.

Condolences may be sent to the Jones family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.