World War II Vet, Willie M. Jones Has Past

Proud Father, Veteran and devote Christian

February 23, 2008

GATES COUNTY NC NEWS -- On Sunday, February 17, 2008, World War II Veteran, Mr. Willie M. Jones, 87, departed this life at the Down East Health & Rehab, in Gatesville, North Carolina. Funeral services were held yesterday at the New Piney Wood Chapel by Reverend Richard Curry. Willie M. Jones was laid to rest in the church cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc. handled the services. A devote Christian, Willie Jones was a member of New Piney Wood Chapel where he served as past Trustee and Chairman of the Deacon Board.

Willie M. Jones was born on October 10, 1920, when Gates County was a busy farming community of 10,060 people. The son of Shade and Alberta Rountree Jones, Willie grew up during the great depression, a time when work was scarce and families struggled never knowing whether there would be food on the table for the next meal. Farming and rural areas suffered the most as crop prices fell by 40 to 60 percent. In those days, teenagers were employed at the age of 14.

During the Second World War, as with most Americans, Willie heeded the call to duty by serving his country in the U.S. Army. World War II, a war which was to determine the fate of democracy, involved more than 100 million military personnel, making it the most widespread war in history of mankind. In 1945, the allied forces emerged victorious, the United States became a world superpower, and Willie M. Jones service to our country has preserved freedom and democracy to this very day.

Returning home to Gates County after the war, Willie's life was fruitful, he fathered eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all of which reside in Gates County.

Wille M. Jones leaves to mourn:

• George Jones
• Tommie Jones
• Kellay Jones
• Willie Jones Jr.
• Hurley Jones
• Donald Jones
• Willie M. Wilkins
• Bettie J. Boone
• Rev. Mary Wiggins
• Delores Foste
• Bertha Brown of Gatesville, NC;
• And a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

In addition to being a veteran and family man, Willie M. Jones also was a member of Jephthah Masonic Lodge 174. His contributions to his family, church and country will not be forgot.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

# # #