Robert James Jones
September 23, 1937 – May 26, 2022
Memorial services for Robert James Jones, 84, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Chapel of Clark Funeral Home, Cairo, GA. Rev. Steve Wooten will officiate. Military Honors will be presented by the Grady County Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Jones passed away at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, GA, on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Born September 23, 1937, in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late William S. Jones and Virginia Mae England Jones. He attended Vernon Center High School in Vernon Center, NY. On March 24, 1978, he married Deborah Shiver who became his wife of 44 years. He served 20 years in the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Naval Special Warfare Operator and Company Commander for special teams. Robert was a highly decorated United States Navy Seal and combat veteran with numerous awards and over 5 deployments. His awards include the Bronze Star with Valor and extraordinary heroism as part of an overseas combat operation. Additional awards include Purple Heart; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor; Navy Achievement Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; Good Conduct Medal (3); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (5); Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation and numerous other personal and unit decorations.
Robert’s elite leadership, superior drive, distinguished heroism, meritorious achievements, loyalty to country/family, honor and unparalleled resilience convey the caliber of man that made him distinctive and truly one in a league of few.
Survivors include: his wife, Deborah Jones of Cairo, GA; his children, Selina Gwaltney (Benji) of Cairo, GA, Gena Singletary of Cairo, GA, Kelli Jones of Norwich, NY, Tommy Jack Collis, Jr. of Augusta, GA, Derek Scott Jones of Norwich, NY; grandchildren, Wyatt Singletary, Tyson Gwaltney, Mason Gwaltney, Braxton Gwaltney, Maddox Gwaltney, all of Cairo, GA, Amber Jones, Logan Jones, both of Norwich, NY; great-grandchild, Polly Annabelle Jones of Norwich, NY; mother-in-law, Sue Shiver of Cairo, GA; sisters-in-law, Sonya Nix (Charles) of Cairo, GA, Christa Shiver (Horace) of Coolidge, GA, Marie Kiger of Celina, TN; brother-in-law, Paul Tate (Dana) of Cairo, GA; ; close family friends, Ron Smith, Craig Wood, both of Thomasville, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; father-in-law, Harry Shiver; sister-in-law, Francine Tate; and a brother-in-law, Chuck Kiger.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Jones’ memory to: the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
