Coach Arthur Jerry Jones, Jr.

(Weldon-Fisher Funeral Home does not own the rights to this song)

Coach Arthur Jerry Jones, Jr. earned his wings on Thursday, 15 April 2021 at Hughes Homes Assisted Living in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Coach lived life abundantly for 80 years.  Coach Jones was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on August 5, 1940.  He attended Spartanburg City Schools.  While attending Carver High School, he participated in track, basketball, baseball and football.  Prior to graduation, he was awarded a full four-year football scholarship.  Upon graduation from Carver High School in 1960, he attended Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was here that Coach found his plus one (1) in this journey we call life, Katie Belle Williamson.  In the fall of 1962, he transferred to Claflin College.  While at Claflin, he played football and was First Team All-Conference for three years.  Coach Jones graduated from Claflin College in the spring of 1965, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Coach Jones began his teaching career in Marion, South Carolina as a basketball coach at Bethel High School. Prior to moving to Westmoreland County, Virginia, he proposed to Katie in November of 1965.  They were married on Saturday, August 20, 1966.  Moved to Virginia on Monday, August 22, 1966 and started work on Wednesday, August 24, 1966. His thirst for the education of children was so monumental that he took no time for a honeymoon.

Coach Jones educated students at Washington District Elementary School from 1966-1970, where he taught Social Studies for grades 5-7. He moved to A.T. Johnson Junior High School in the fall of 1970.  While at A.T. Johnson along with another teacher, Mr. James Long, he started a football team.  In the fall of 1972, Coach Jones was promoted to Health and P.E. teacher at Washington and Lee HS. In 1973 when the schools integrated, he became the Athletic Director. In 1974, he was presented with the “Outstanding Young Man “Award by the Westmoreland County Jaycees.  In 1975, he became the Head Varsity Baseball Coach.  A title he held until 1999.    While at W&L, he was also the Head Football Coach. He was the 1982 Man of the Year. During his long, career in the Westmoreland County School System, Coach Jones won 3 Regional Championships, 4 District Championships, was named Coach of the Year 3 times and won 4 Championships in Junior Varsity football.  He was inducted into the Washington & Lee High School Hall of Fame in 2015.  He was inducted into the Northern Neck Wall of Fame on May 25, 2019, located in Kilmarnock, Virginia.

Coach Arthur Jones retired from teaching and coaching in 2004 after 38 years.  Even after retirement, he continued to work with the High School students for an additional 9 years, finally retiring for good in 2013.
 
Coach Jones once stated that he believed this was a temporary situation.  However; after thirty some years, he guessed he enjoyed the experience.

He was a son, brother, cousin, nephew, husband and father.  His greatest role was not that of Coach, it was being a husband and father. He was not only a father to his five children, he was also a father to over six thousand children he taught, coached or mentored over his 40+ year career.  Coaching was his calling.  He believed that every child was important and deserved an equal shot at something bigger than just sports.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Arthur Jerry Jones, Sr, his mother, Catherine Alexander.  His three (3) sisters Annie Wyatt of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Catherine Jennings of New York and Louise Jones of North Carolina.

He leaves to celebrate fond memories of his life well lived, his wife of 54 years, Katie Belle Williamson Jones.  His five (5) children, Annette Davis of Moore, South Carolina, Jerry Means and Bridgette Jones of Welford, South Carolina, Fatima Carter (Renard) of Lexington Park, Maryland and Kesha Jones of Montross, Virginia.  His seven (7) grandchildren, Jerry Brown, Fatima Williams, Marcus Davis, Jevelle Rowe, Renard (RJ) Carter, Jr., Kendra Sumiel and Kameron Jones and 11 great grandchildren.

Also cherishing his memory are sisters Sarah Miller and Rosa Bea Jones of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Lillie Ruth Hill of Fountain Inn, South Carolina.  Brother-in-law Jerry Williamson (Cookie) of Hampton, Virginia and sister-in-law Daisy Moore (Robert-Deceased) of Greenwood, South Carolina.  Along with his nieces, nephews, cousins, students colleagues and friends.

Rest easy Coach.  You won the race, hit your last homerun and tackled your last defender.  Fly high like the EAGLES you loved so much.

Service of Remembrance for Retired Long Time Educator Coach Arthur Jones will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 12 Noon at the Washington and Lee High School (Football Field) 16380 Kings Highway, Montross, Virginia

Interment will be in the Historyland Memorial Park, 11227, James Madison Parkway, King George, Virginia,

Coach Jones may be viewed on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 5PM until 7PM at the Washington and Lee High School Gymnasium

"In compliance with state mandated guidelines to slow the spread of Covid-19 EVERYONE MUST wear a mask or face covering and social distancing is required.”

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