David William Jones Jr.
June 29, 1944 ~ May 29, 2023 (age 78)Obituary
David “Junior” William Jones, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving daughters.
Junior was born on June 29, 1944, in Siler City, NC to David William Jones, Sr., and Elsie Dunn Jones. He was a graduate of Nathaniel Greene High School in Liberty, NC. After graduation, Junior was drafted into the US Army where he served as 2nd Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1972.
Junior then attended trade school and he was employed by Duke Power, from where he retired after 43 years of service. It was there that he met some of his lifelong friends and was given his other nickname, “Animal”.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughters Shannon Lea Jones of Thomasville, NC, and Angie Jones Hansing and husband Ryan David Hansing of Climax, NC; grandsons Gavin and Camden Jones; granddaughters Adasyn, Ayven, and Adeline Hansing; ex-wife and friend, Carolyn Jones; and multiple cousins.
He was a loving, devoted Dad and PawPaw. When his daughters were growing up, he dedicated a large amount of his time to coaching their basketball and softball teams. Lots of their friends looked up to “Coach David” and to this date, have very fond memories of their childhood thanks to him. If there was a sports team his daughters were on that he wasn’t coaching, he was always sitting on the sideline supporting them. He was the same way with his grandchildren. Very rarely did he miss one of their sporting events.
Before becoming a Dad, Junior was a biker. He put many, many miles on Harleys, rode cross country, belonged to biker gangs, and absolutely lived life to the fullest.
He was a lover of muscle cars, especially Chevrolets. He taught his daughters about cars, driving, and how to do the loudest, longest burnouts. Not only could he restore cars and rebuild engines, but he was a talented body and paint guy.
He was a true Southerner and loved all the fine, simpler things that come along with that: NASCAR, biscuits and gravy, classic rock, gardening, fishing, driving his dad’s John Deere tractor, working with his hands, and never feeling a need to be rushed. He could fix just about anything and always had some project he was working on, whether it be restoring or painting a car, working on a carpentry project, or landscaping. And no one could put together their grandkids' toys better than him!
While Junior had a tough exterior, his heart really softened the day he became a PawPaw. He first had two grandsons that he worked hard to help shape into strong, hardworking young men. He taught them how to fish, play golf, use a lawnmower, pressure washer, and of course a paintbrush. Then his three granddaughters came into the picture and lived next door to him from the day they were each born. He was an integral part of their daily lives and taught them so much about love, laughter, traditions, respect, and the importance of family. They also learned simple things from him that they will remember forever, like how to pick and eat figs right off the tree. He also taught his oldest granddaughter how to drive her first motorcycle/mini-bike. Junior's favorite thing to do was to sit and cuddle with his granddaughters.
To honor Junior’s wishes, the immediate family will hold a private service. For the rest of his family and friends, there will be a CELEBRATION of life on Friday, June 9 from 4-7 pm (floating) at shelter 5 at Hagan Stone Park in Pleasant Garden. In true “Animal” fashion, come prepared to eat, drink, listen to music, and shoot the breeze. If you own a Harley, ride it! If you own a muscle car, drive it! If you own a suit and tie or a church dress, don’t wear it! All are welcome!
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