John William Jones

John William Jones (86) of Dothan, Alabama died of respiratory failure at Southeast Health Medical Center on April 14. He was born on February 13, 1934 in Coffee County, Alabama to Alto and Lonnie Lee Jones. John learned the value of work from a very young age helping his father with farming chores. When the family home burned down at age 15, he started driving the school bus and it was there he met the love of his life.

He married Viola Whittington at age 17 and would have reached a rare 70th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2021. He was devoted to his wife of almost 70 years, and was concerned most of all for her well being. In the last days of his life, every conversation began and ended with her. Together they raised four children.

He was a simple man who loved the simple things in life. He loved having his family gathered together, especially at Christmas. He was proud of his work with the A&P Tea company where he served as a butcher for thirty-six years. He served as butcher for family and friends his entire life, slicing Christmas turkeys and Easter hams for everyone who asked.

He enjoyed fishing and taught all his kids and grandkids to value time digging worms, baiting hooks and enjoying nature sitting on the water. It was a treat for members of his church to snag an invitation to fish with ‘Mr. John’ because they always returned with much more than fish after a day on the water with him. He and Vi hosted many fish frys for family and friends at their home and provided the fish for many fish frys at their beloved church.

His finest work was in his expansive garden where year upon year he grew nearly everything that can be grown and stocked not only his own pantry and freezer but those of family and friends. The week before he passed, he finished planting his one acre garden by hand. When neighbors, members of Cloverdale Baptist Church, or strangers were in need they could count on “Mr. John” to show up with an ice chest full of vegetables and a bag of sweets from his wife to make life a little brighter. Our family’s promise is to joyfully harvest his hard work.

John has been a member of Cloverdale Baptist Church for fifty-seven years. He insisted all his children participate in every opportunity at Cloverdale. Over the years when his church was working on a new building, he set up an honors box by his garden to raise funds to contribute. His church family received the same care, loyalty and devotion as his own family.

John is predeceased by both his parents, Alto and Lonnie Lee Jones. He’s also predeceased by two sisters, Eloise Andress and Bobbie Scott and one brother, Oswald Moring. He is survived by three sisters: Maxine Baker, Annette Herrington (Roy), Jeannie Phillips (Ed). He’s also survived by eleven nieces and nephews: Kaye LeCompte, Janet Wilson, Chuck Baker, Alan Scott, Steve Scott, Sharon Scott, Scott Herrington, Chris Herrington, John Mark Herrington, Stan Phillips, Chad Phillips and Dana Moring.

He is survived by his wife, Vi, his four children: Mike Jones (Carol) Dothan, AL; Beverly Ray (Allen) Emory, TX; Jennifer McCabe (Jerry) Santa Rosa Beach, FL ; and Tim Jones (Caroline) Madill, OK. His eight grandchildren: Amanda Smith, Adrian Jones, Jonathan Ray, David Ray, Amy Ray, Jake McCabe, Colby Anderson, William Anderson and seven great-grandchildren: Joshua Smith, Tyson Smith, Macaila Jones, Graydee Jones, Daniel Ray, Vionna Ray, Addie Grace Anderson.

He is also survived by a neighbor family he adored like his own, Clay and Cindy Palm and family.

John Jones has left a rich and beautiful legacy to those who knew him. Each of them have taken something special from this loving and wonderful man. He was born a poor man but died the wealthiest among us.

Due to current covid restrictions, there will be a service for family on April 29 at Sunset Memorial Park and a full celebration of his life at Cloverdale Baptist Church on what would have been his 87th birthday, February 13, 2021. The family looks forward to sharing and hearing all the stories of our beloved Daddy!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Cloverdale Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604