Robert Bradshaw Jones Sr.

DURHAM- Robert Bradshaw Jones, Sr., 77, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Durham VA Hospital. He was born in Durham on January 13, 1948 to the late Wade Oscar Jones and Emma Malvina Horner Jones. He was also preceded in death by his wife Carol Munn Jones and daughter Christin Jones Kardos.
Bobby was a skilled multi-sport athlete for most of his life. At the time he graduated from Durham High School in 1966, he held the distinction of being the only student to have played on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, and he did this for three years including an undefeated and untied football season. After high school he joined the United States Air Force as a jet mechanic, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned the following decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
Soon after, Bobby began his career at IBM. He held many roles over the years but most notably in Purchasing. After his retirement (the first time!), he opened his own pool hall in Prospect Hill called BJ's Billiards. His final work years were spent delivering and sometimes installing signs for McCorkle Sign Company of Durham.
Bobby enjoyed recreational activities throughout his adulthood. He played on rec softball teams for many years and was one of the best pool players in the Durham area. He won multiple IBM Watson trophies in both leagues. When he married Carol, they became very active in the Durham Harley Owners Group (HOG), Chapter 4040. He served as a road captain and they traveled to all 48 contiguous US states by motorcycle. Traveling by plane also became a hobby with Carol, visiting countries across Europe and South America as well. Back at home, Bobby was a member in good standing of the American Legion, Post 7 for over 20 years as a Legion Rider. He loved playing pool there, attending the Friday Dinners, and always looked forward to the "McCorkle Breakfast" on Christmas Eve.
His love of UNC ran deep and he was a proud patriot.
Mr. Jones is survived by his daughters, Heather Holt (Jeff) and Nichole DeWeese (Danny); son, Robert "BJ" Jones, Jr.; and grandchildren, Isabel Weld, Lucas Holt, Dylan Glover, Reagan Kardos, Hannah DeWeese, Emma DeWeese, Colton Jones, Adelyn Jones, Thomas Jones, and Tyler Jones. His marriage to Carol in 2004 brought with her two daughters, Michelle White (Philip) and Jennifer Clement (Kit); and grandchildren, Logan White, Paedon White, Mason White, Katelyn Clement, and Taylor Clement. He will also be dearly missed by his best friend, his dog Sammie.
The family will receive friends and family at a visitation on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Clements Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in the Clements Funeral Chapel at 11:00 am. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount, NC. He will receive full military honors.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Flowers may be sent here or charitable donations to the Durham SPCA in his memory are also appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.