Billy Joe Jones

Billy Joe Jones

     USAF Lt. Col. Billy J. Jones, of Niceville, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, September 30, 2022 at his wonderful assisted living Beehive Homes of Niceville. Although his health had been declining recently due to old age, he was able to depart peacefully in his sleep with his loving granddaughter, Gina by his side.

     Bill was born October 19, 1928 in Bleckley County, Cochran, GA in a field as many of his siblings were. He was the third of nine children of O.R. Jones and Mary Coley Jones. They were products of hard times and a hand to mouth existence during the Great Depression.       Although money was scarce, his mother Mary made sure the house was full of love and Christian values that shaped Bill into the extraordinary man that he became. He was preceded in death by his father, beloved mother Mary, infant sisters Gainell and Annie Ruth, sisters Mary Ruth and Wylene, and his big brother Guy.      He was also widowed in 1985 when his beautiful wife of 33 years, Adrienne Jones (McInvale) passed.      He is survived by his siblings Imogene, Claxton, and Marlene. Bill is also survived by his beloved daughter Debra Burns, and his two treasured granddaughters Gina (Joseph) Fonte, and Julie (DC) Matthews. Five great grandchildren residing locally brought him daily pride and joy, and added more love to his already full heart. They are Robert Barksdale Burns, Jackson Fonte, Logan Fonte, Scarlett Matthews, and Wyatt Matthews.      Bill also had numerous nieces and nephews that he was updated on regularly, but had a special bond with his niece Barbara (John) Ezell.

     Lieutenant Colonel Billy Jones first entered the Army Air Corps upon graduation from Dodge County High School in 1947 and retired from the United States Air Force in July 1977 after serving in the enlisted ranks until being commissioned from Officer Candidate School in April 1953.      During his service, he graduated from The University of Georgia with a B.S. degree and the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s degree. He served on the staff at the Air War College and graduated from the Department of Defense Industrial College.      Most of his service was in United States Air Force Intelligence, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the National Security Agency (NSA) with assignments in Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Turkey. His contributions to the Nation’s security were rewarded with numerous promotions, awards, decorations, and commendations.

     A graveside funeral service with full military honors will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Heritage Gardens Cemetery at noon. The family will receive visitors at Gina and Joseph Fonte’s residence afterwards. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home Niceville, Florida.

Special thanks and recognition is due to the wonderful staff and caregivers at BeeHive Homes of Niceville where Bill felt like he was at home in his last few months of life.

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