Phillip Gerald Jones
December 30, 1943 – June 8, 2016
Phillip Gerald Jones, beloved family man and avid outdoorsman, passed away on Wednesday, June 8 at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville.
Gerald was born in Whigham, Georgia to Harold and Laura Jones on December 30, 1943.
With a great love of the outdoors, Gerald was commonly found among both horses and dogs, but especially English pointers and English setters; whether in the excitement of field trials or the routine exercise and training, his love for animals was clearly evident. His abundant patience and love for training puppies earned him the nickname, “The Puppy Man.”
Early in his career, Gerald lived in the jungles of South America and the Yukon Territory in Canada to mine gold. In the Yukon, he was President and Owner of Auriferous Placers Miners until 1992. Later in his career, Gerald dedicated over 30 years as Gas Superintendent for Water, Gas, and Light in Albany, and he was very proud to claim that no employee had a serious injury during his tenure.
Mr. Jones was a treasured mentor to young men – both his grandsons, nephews, and countless others can attribute their outlook on life to the endearing respect they learned from Gerald. He was an active member of Pine Hill Baptist Church.
It’s practically impossible to describe into words the impact and influence Gerald had on his family, friends, and community. But, ask anyone who met Gerald Jones, and they will all agree he embodied the traits of a true gentleman and earned not only the respect, but love of all those who were fortunate enough to meet him.
In addition to his wife, Gerald is survived by his daughters, Angie Jones Taylor and her husband David Taylor of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Kecia Conoly Gray of Albany. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Frances McGinty: his brothers and their wives: Gene and Esther Jones, Myron and Teresa Jones; his grandchildren: Stephen Hill, Phillip Brandon Hill, Aaron Taylor, Andy and Samantha Taylor: brothers-in-law and wife, Fred and Debbie McGinty, Adger “Buzzy” McGinty: sisters-in-law and husbands, Melody and Clay Mauldin, Stephanie and Duke Raulerson: as well as by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Laura Jones; and sister, Nancy Leola Patten Moore. Gerald was immensely proud of every member of his family, and they in turn loved him dearly.
He loved and cherished his wife of nearly 32 years, Deborah McGinty Jones, until the very end.
Saturday, June 11, 2016, lunch will be provided for family and friends in the Pine Hill Baptist Church Annex at 12:30 p.m. followed by visitation with the family until the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Pine Hill Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Dr. Charles Parker will officiate. Interment will be in Tired Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Whigham, GA.
Active pallbearers will be nephews, Dwight Patten, Daryl Jones, Ronnie Patten, Heath Jones, Gerald Patten, Terald Patten, Phillip Jones, William Jones, and Thomas Jones.
Honorary pallbearers will be great nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Jones memory to: Pine Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 1392, Cairo, GA, 39828; or any charity of your choice.
