Charles Jones

Charles L. Jones, Sr. of Birmingham, Alabama, was born August 29, 1921 in Siluria, Alabama and passed away September 2, 2011 at age 90. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Margaret Ryan Jones, his parents, Foy and Madge Jones, his brother Ralph Jones, and his grandchild Jack William Gray, Jr. He is survived by his son, Charles L. Jones Jr. (Dianne) and daughter, Jo Anne Gray (Jack); grandchildren Michael C. Jones (Marisela), Lisa Smith Jones, Shawn Gray (Martha), Sandee Roman (James) and Keith Gray (Jenna); great-grandchildren Daniella Alexis Jones, Brian Anthony Smith, Christina Huff (Albert), Sara Roman, Stephen Roman, Keith Gray Jr., Charles William Gray, Caleb Joseph Gray, Joshua Thomas Gray and Pi Ryan Gray; great-great-grandchild Jack Thomas Huff. He is also survived by two sisters, Mildred Simons and Polly Ozley. He graduated from Thompson High School in 1940 and was President of his Senior Class. He owned and operated Jones Truck and Auto Clinic in Alabaster for many years. Early in his career he worked with Dixie Drive It Yourself; and later, with Bush and Motion Industries. He was a Charter Member of Elks Lodge 79 in Birmingham for 42 years. His favorite pastimes were his family, boating, and square dancing. He was a WW II veteran who served in General Patton's 3rd Army in the Battle of the Bulge, in the initial crossing of the Rhine River, and saw action completely across Germany and was near Berlin when the War in Europe ended. He received three Major Battle Stars and was twice wounded. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for extended service on the frontlines. He was on a troop ship going to Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped. His character, integrity, loyalty, and devotion to family and county will never be forgotten and is the legacy he leaves behind to all who knew and loved him. His memorial service was held on September 6, 2011 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, Alabama.

The memorial service was immediately followed by a full Military graveside service which included an Army Honor Guard.