Clayton Avriett Jones, age 81, of Jasper, Fla., passed away Monday, March 29, 2021, while spring gobbler hunting near his beloved Alapaha River. Jones was born Sept. 11, 1939, to the late William Albert Jones Sr. and Blanche Roebuck Jones in Hamilton County. He was a 1957 graduate of Jasper High School, where he was an excellent student. As a Jasper Bulldog, he excelled at baseball and basketball. Following graduation, he went to work with the State Road Department as a surveyor. Jones then proudly served in the United States Army at Fort Belvoire, Va., from 1963 to 1965 and remained an American patriot who loved his land and freedoms. He also obtained his State of Virginia teacher's certificate for mathematical instruction. Upon returning to Hamilton County, he began employment at Occidental (OXY) in 1965, advancing to Mines Manager and transitioning to safety specialist for Potash Corp. (PCS) before retiring in November 2004.
Jones treasured the many lifelong friendships he developed with co-workers at OXY/PCS during his 39 years of employment. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and a loyal friend. Following retirement, he enjoyed cooking for his family, nurturing his flowers and spending time with family and friends as he continued to be an active outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. He rededicated his life to Jesus Christ in October 2011 and became a faithful and active member of the West Lake Church of God, where he loved hearing and studying the Word of God.
Jones was preceded in death by his brother, William Albert Jones, Jr. and his sisters, Faye Anne Jones Godwin and Geraldine Leigh Fisher. Survivors include: his wife of nearly 59 years, Bonnie Deas Jones of Jasper; his two daughters, Valerie Jones Goolsby and her husband, Clayton "Clay" Goolsby, of Jennings and Allison Jones Creech and her husband Brian Creech of Jennings; three grandchildren, Brittany Creech Thompson, Johnathon Goolsby and Elizabeth Goolsby; one great granddaughter, Zoey Victoria Thompson; his sister, Lillian Leigh Bembry and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted Friday, April 2, at West Lake Church of God, near Jennings with his pastor, Sister Cynthia Mosely and a special nephew, Bro. Greg Godwin officiating. Interment followed in the West Lake Church of God Cemetery. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.