David Lee Jones

CLINTON — David Lee Jones, 89, of 607 Peterson St., passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Ammons officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

Born on Nov. 27, 1936, in Danville, Virginia, David was the oldest son of Albert Algie Jones and Elsie Lee Sexton. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of the Hiram Lodge in Clinton and an honorary member of eight other lodges throughout Sampson County.

David worked for 28 years as a manufacturing engineering manager and assistant plant manager for Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex. One of his favorite events each February was joining his former coworkers at their annual luncheon. As an avid golfer, he spent a number of his retirement years volunteering as a course ranger at the former Greensbridge Golf Course. David faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Clinton and enjoyed serving as one of the teachers for his Adult Men's Sunday School class, often spending hours preparing to lead their discussions when it was his turn to teach. He was a gregarious man who loved to talk about his family, a golf match, his favorite sports team, how to fix a broken machine, or share a tall tale or two from his youth.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Betty Jean Vass Jones, and is survived by a daughter, Susan Jones Holder (Mike) of Clinton; a son, David Lee Jones Jr. (Pam) of Gray's Creek; a brother, Charles Michael Jones (Martha) of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Michael Jones, Peyton Holder (Rachael), Ivey Michelle Jones, Shaun Greene, Justin Greene, Brittany Blanchard, Ciara Greene and Cassie Horne; and 11 great-grandchildren.

David's family wishes to extend our grateful appreciation to our family and friends who have sustained us during this difficult time with your cards and prayers and to the staff of 3HC and SECU Hospice House for their compassionate caregiving.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 408 College St., Clinton, NC 28328.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Jones family.