Arvel Gaius "Buddy" Jones

Arvel Gaius "Buddy" Jones, 89, 0f Nolensville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 12, 2025. He was born on October 12, 1935, in Short Mountain, Tennessee. Buddy was the son of Vester Jones and Ruby Underhill Jones. On February 13, 1959, Buddy married the love of his life, Norma Grimes Jones, and together they built a wonderful home filled with love, devotion and strong work ethics, never shying away from the task at hand.

Buddy had a career as a TV Repairman, a Cable TV Operator and owned a Construction Company. But much more important to him was his undying love and devotion for the Lord. He was a member of Woodson Chapel Church of Christ for over 58 years. Serving as a Deacon for over 5 decades and had various positions such as a youth minister, song leader and teacher, but he was probably best known for his work leading the Fellowship activities. Buddy was a servant and loved serving others. With his fellowship team and his faithful wife, Norma by his side, they all together prepared and served more meals than anyone could ever know, easily in the 10's of thousands. In Spring of 2025 Woodson honored them with 50+ years of serving on the Fellowship Committee. Buddy also had a love for singing and a beautiful tenor voice. He was in a small group that got together to sing songs they loved. They called themselves the W.O.R.M.S – the Woodson Organized Religious Male Singers. They began singing at funerals to bring joy and peace to the family and to help ease their pain and sorrow.

Buddy had a never ending heart of a servant" mentality and always looked for a way to help. He never sought praise but only wanted to do what needed to be done. Buddy was usually one of the first ones to get there and one of the last ones to leave. He always put those he loved "First", but more importantly he always put the GOD he loved "First".

Buddy loved to fish and would collect fish he caught, and in later years bought, to hold annual fish fry's for the Woodson members and all other friends that wanted to come. He spearheaded the Men's Fishing Trips and had so much fun with the men from Woodson and friends alike that would join him for a week, weekend or even just a day to fish at his small, rustic camp on Kentucky Lake. Oh the stories they could tell.

Everyone loved Buddy because Buddy loved everyone!

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Vester and Ruby Jones; his sisters, Winnie Braswell, Oleta Tosh, Evelyn Taylor and Mary Douglas; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Barnes Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Norma Jones; daughter, Melissa (Gary) Johnson of Nolensville and son, Keith (Lori) Jones of Nolensville; his grandchildren, Daniel (Lauren) Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Kinsley Jones and Kaylor Jones; his step-grandchildren, Janae (Will) Richter, Daniel Callicoat and Abigail (Will) Garrison; his step-great-grandchildren, Drew, Beau and Jack Richter; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Woodson Chapel Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee and additionally on Friday, September 19, 2025, also at Woodson from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:00. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee. Officiating will be various speakers he loved. Pallbearers will be family and friends with the Elders and Deacons of Woodson Chapel being honorary pallbearers.

Buddy's motto: Do EVERYTHING as if you are doing it for the Lord! (Colossians 3:23-24)

Some of Buddy's last words: I didn't expect passing from this world into the next to be so peaceful. It is just so peaceful!

Buddy will be remembered for his unwavering love for God and his family, his servant heart, his love for everyone he knew, his integrity, his honesty and his strong work ethic.