Jerry Huel Jones Sr.

Jerry Huel Jones, Sr. was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, USAF career service member and lifelong adventurer who called many places "Home"-Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alaska, California, and Mississippi.

His final years were spent in Northport, Alabama where he was an avid and accomplished hunter, fisherman, boatsman, golfer, and all around jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed maintaining his home and yard in a meticulous manner. He passed away on Saturday November 1st, 2025 at Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Alabama.

Jerry was born August 23rd, 1943 in Cordova, Alabama to James H. Jones and Mildred Jones (Key) and graduated from T.W. Martin High School in 1961. In addition to being a tremendous athlete, Jerry's childhood was full of hunting and fishing expeditions cementing his love for the outdoors.

Driven by his love of Country and passion for aviation, Jerry joined the United States Air Force in 1964. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and retired after 21 years of service where he was a master aircraft mechanic, a pioneer member of the 1st Air Commando Wing (predecessor to the Air Force Special Operations Command), Air Force Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, and squadron Senior Enlisted Leader on the forefront of Cold War Alaska in the 1980s.

He served 2 year long tours in country during the Vietnam War, where he distinguished himself with honor and courage.

Jerry was proud of his service to our nation, and his time in Vietnam - - most specifically his accomplishments as an early member of the Air Commando team - - and as he liked to say "that's all I can say about that".

After the Air Force, Jerry continued his love for aviation over 2 decades as both an accomplished private pilot, and as a licensed Air Frame and Power Plant Mechanic and Aircraft Inspector, having worked for some of our nation's premier military aircraft manufacturers including Raytheon, E-Systems and L3 on cutting edge aircraft.

A dedicated student of life, Jerry's love of learning made him not only a jack-of-all-trades, but his work ethic made him a master of most. You were just as likely to find him in his workshop tinkering with his many tools on a project as you were to encounter him absorbed in a fishing show or a history documentary.

However, of all his remarkable endeavors, Jerry was most proud of the loving family he had built over 60 years with his wife Therisa Jones (Taylor), who predeceased him, and his current loving wife Mary Nell Jones (Jones).

Jerry is survived by his Wife-Mary Nell Jones; Daughter-Yevette Marsden (LtCol Jeff); Son-Jerry Jones Jr (Jamie); Daughter-Suzette Holt (Melvin); Son-Brad Blackburn (Tanya); Grandchildren-Brigette Frey (LtCol Tyler), Craig Marsden (Nichole), Jessica, George, Garrett, Jerry III, Robert, Suzanne, Laura, Christin, Tiffany; Great-grandchildren-Sophia, Elaina, Max, Georgiana, Kailee, Lincoln, Julian, Sophia, Myla; and his Brothers-Alton Jones (Bernice) and Joseph Jones (Susan).

He was pre-deceased by his Parents-James and Mildred Jones, his Brother-Dennis Jones , his Wife-Therisa Jones (Taylor) and his Great grandson-Scott Frey.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home, funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Collins-Burke Chapel. Graveside Military Honors to follow immediately at Walker Memory Gardens. Jimmy Taylor, Jr. and Derek Jones will officiate.