Visitation Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery Chapel. Interment Greenlawn Cemetery.
William Oliver Jones, Sr., age 93, faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2021 at Mount Carmel East Hospital. He was born November 11, 1927 in Springfield, Illinois. His mother, Mary Jones passed away when he was a teenager. He moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with his Uncle Bob and Aunt Pauline until he graduated from high school.
William joined the United States Navy at the age of 18. He served in the military during World War II. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he began his civilian career. He was an entrepreneur owning several rental properties and a successful vending machine business that served the Columbus, Ohio black community. He also went back to school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Columbus State Community College. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young adult at Second Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. Most recently, he virtually attended New Salem Baptist Church.
William met the love of his life, Rosemary Green and they married on February 20, 1960. Their union produced 3 children, son Billy, and daughters, Linda and Sharon. In August of 1968, his beloved wife, Rosemary passed away from breast cancer. He promised Rosemary that he would keep their 3 children together and raise them in a loving home and that is exactly what he did. William enjoyed collecting coins and beer steins. He had a “green thumb” and received many compliments on his landscaping, which included a beautiful green lawn, flowers and a vegetable garden. He shared his harvest with family, friends and church members.
William was called by many names, “Dad”, “Billy”, “Bill”, “Uncle”, etc., but the name he cherished above all was “Granddad”. He loved his family dearly. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye and his greatest source of joy. He was a huge part of their village. He took great care of them when they were growing up and over the last 13 years, they have taken great care of him.
William was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Bowen Jones, uncle, Robert Bowen (Pauline); his beloved wife, Rosemary Jones and beloved daughter, Sharon Marie Jones. Those left to cherish his memory are son William O. Jones, Jr.; daughter, Linda K. (Dennis) Johnson; grandchildren, Lauren (Brad) Lyman, Kenneth Madison, Jr., Dennis W. (Ashleigh) Johnson, Kenyana (Armondo) Washington, and Kennedy Sinclair Madison; four great grandchildren; Nate, Aryana, Brielle and Bradyn; niece Cathy Bowen Huggard; special family friends, Westbrook family (Lawyer, Vickie and Jamal); and a host of relatives and friends.
Granddad instilled the appreciation of family in all of us. He shared a unique and special relationship with everyone he called family. Everyone had a special piece of him. He will be forever loved and missed.
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