Billy Joe Jones

Billy Joe Jones, 90, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bill was born on August 31, 1935, in Denison, Texas. He was one of three children. In 1939, the family moved to Irving, Texas. At age 17, he landed a job cleaning out old banking files at Irving Bank. He was one of two boys working on the project, and only one would be offered a permanent position. At the end of the project, Billy Joe was selected. They would place him in the bank window only if he had a tie to wear. He quickly told them he did and returned the next day wearing his "Boy Scout" tie.

Bill was with Irving Bank for 19 years, and that boy in the window became Chief of Operations, Purchasing, and Personnel. In 1971, he and "Susie," with four kids in tow, moved to Paris, Texas. He joined Liberty National Bank as Senior Vice President and remained there until his retirement at age 65. He then joined the Board of Directors, where he served as Chairman of three committees until his eightieth birthday, finishing a banking career that spanned sixty-two years.

Bill taught banking classes for the Banking Institute of America (BIA), first throughout the Dallas metroplex and then at Paris Junior College. He was highly respected and well known in banking circles, often called upon by fellow bankers for his vast knowledge. Bill served in the Air Force Reserves for six years, including six months of active duty.

Bill loved all sports, but he eventually focused on bowling and golf. He was a 200 bowler most of the time and participated in many bowling leagues and tournaments before eventually choosing the game of golf. Golfing was his favorite sport, and we would often refer to him as "Arnold Palmer" when he posted a low score. He was a member of the Paris Golf and Country Club for forty years and served as treasurer on the Board of Directors. He was also a charter member of Race for Life, where he was diligent in his attendance.

Bill was a Christian. He walked faithfully with the Lord each day. He lived a life focused on family, marked by gentleness and kindness, and was never harsh. He was a man of integrity and character and never wavered from his beliefs. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church for 50 years and a member of His Place Fellowship for the past five years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Gibbs and Margie Ann, and his sister, Margie Nell Loggins.

He is survived by his wife, Sue "Susie"; his children, Michael Jones; Kim Wright and husband Rick; Stewart Jones and wife Cindy; Diana Baker and husband Tim; and his sister, Karen Tennison and husband Leroy. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to all who selflessly cared for him: Kathy Harmon, who spent countless hours by his side; the amazing staff at Springlake, who made every day a better one; and Waterford Hospice, who cared for him with so much dignity and respect.

We would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to our extended family, LaCosta Whitley and Brylea Farrar, for their love, devotion, and endless support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to His Place Fellowship or Trinity Christian Academy.

A visitation with friends and family will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 1:00 PM with funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, Texas. Brother Mike Fortenberry officiating.