Colonel Donald H. Jones, Sr.

Colonel Donald H. Jones, Sr. (U.S. Army Retired), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, military leader, and man of faith, passed peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the age of 87.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Rivers of Life Church Ministries, 301 Lakewood Drive, Brandon, FL 33510, Curtis A. Swafford, Pastor with Pastor Willie C. Barnes, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Eatonville, Florida, Officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22211.

Born April 2, 1939, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Jackson and Emma Jones, Colonel Jones was the proud son of a coal miner. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Niagara University and an MBA from the College of William & Mary. He also attended the United States Army War College.

Colonel Jones proudly served 28 years in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam as a member of the elite Green Berets. His distinguished military service included two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Purple Heart, and numerous other awards and decorations. Following his military retirement, he continued his career in executive management with McDonnell Douglas Corporation and The Boeing Company.

A man of deep faith and unwavering commitment to family, Colonel Jones was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an accomplished author of two autobiographies, The Path Set for Me and The Amazing Life of a Coal Miner’s Son, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, courage, leadership, and perseverance.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Jackson and Emma Jones; his beloved first wife, Sarah Lillian “Lil” Jones; and four brothers.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Marilyn Christine White-Jones; his children, Donald H. Jones, Jr. (Brenda), Darlene Parker, Dianne Jones, and bonus daughter, Charity Reyes; mother-in-love, Carolyn Ferguson; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; cherished friends; and countless others whose lives were blessed by his love, wisdom, and example.

His life was a testament to faithful service, sacrificial leadership, and enduring love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Colonel Donald H. Jones, Sr. to Lighthouse for the Blind at www.lighthouseblv.org.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rivers of Life Church Ministries, 301 Lakewood Drive, Brandon, FL 33510.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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