Earl Simon Jones, Jr.

Earl Simon Jones, Jr., 65, passed away with his loving family at his side on January 15, 2025.

He was born in Fayetteville, NC, on October 23, 1959, to Annette and Earl Simon Jones, Sr.

Earl graduated from Douglas Byrd High School in 1977 where he was a star all-conference basketball player. In college, he played basketball at Saint Andrews Presbyterian in Laurinburg, NC. He later transferred to Methodist University in Fayetteville where he became an alumni with an art degree. Earl started out his career as an art teacher at Pine Forest Middle School. He then decided on a new path. He answered an ad in the newspaper and got into the financial services business in 1981. Earl founded Carolina Planning with his father in the early 80's.

Earl met the love of his life, Melissa Lilly, in 1985. They married in 1986 and had their first child, Ryan, in 1988 followed by Andrew in 1991 and Matthew in 1992. Earl and Melissa owned businesses together in the 90's up until their move to Florida in 1998. While he and Melissa raised their boys in Florida, Earl continued in the financial services business as well as being the music director of multiple churches. They moved back to NC in 2010, and their family began to grow beyond their dreams. They welcomed their first of eight grandchildren in 2012. His grandchildren became his pride and joy. Earl was very involved in music at Village Baptist and at one point the interim music director.

In recent years Earl started Jones Financial Group with his sons. Throughout his life, no matter the circumstances, Earl always prioritized God and his family. Earl was known for keeping money in his car in case he saw someone in need. With a servant's heart, he extended help to anyone around to help ease their struggles. Earl could never pass a person in need; he never met a stranger. All who met him felt like they mattered and were loved by him.

His relationship with Jesus, wife, children, and grandchildren were his greatest treasures.

Left to cherish Earl's memory is his wife, Melissa Jones; two sons, Andrew Jones and wife, Katie, and Matthew Jones and wife, Melody; two granddaughters, Hailey and Eisley; six grandsons, Nicolas, Jace, Killian, Nash, Waylen, and Sterling; mother, Annette Jones; three brothers, Craig Jones and wife Heather; Steve Jones and wife Anna; Chris Jones and wife Rondie; mother-in-law Macy Lilly Varian; brother in law, Rick Lilly and wife, Dee; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Vandenboom and husband, David; Kay Lilly; Sue Pirtle and husband, Mike; followed by many nephews and nieces

He is preceded in death by his eldest son, Ryan Earl Jones; father, Earl Simon Jones, Sr.; father-in-law Cyril Lilly; father-in-law, William "Fred" Varian.

Funeral Services will be held at Village Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00AM with Pastor Chris Ferger officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00AM. The burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park West on Raeford Road.