MAJ (RET) William Jones

MAJ (RET) William Jones, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025 surrounded by family. A devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather and proud American he lived a life defined by service, integrity and quite strength.

Born on March 01, 1941, in Ohio, he answered a call to serve his country by joining the United Staes Army directly after graduating high school. He left the army in 1962 and enrolled in Kent State Univ. graduating in 1967. He received Regular Army Commission and was assigned again to 82 Air Born Division and in 1968 was deployed to Viet Nam. He served as a rifle commander, and a long range recon commander. Upon returning to the states, he served as a Ranger School Instructor, then reassigned to the 82nd ABN Div. where he served as Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 505 infantries. He had over 200 jumps during his career.

His awards include Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Ranger Tab.

Upon retiring from the Army, he settled in Columbus, Ga and taught JROTC for 13 years.

He was an avid golfer and Charter Member of Maple Ridge Golf Club. He had 7 holes in one!! He also loved to travel with his wife Jean, visiting many countries including Europe, Turkey, Egypt, & Russia and several states. He enjoyed golfing while traveling also.

He is survived by Jean Pedone Jones, his loving wife, his stepson Mike Pedone (Kathy), his grandchildren Kristin Poppe, Karma Maddock, Krystle Bibbens Najera, Kati Adamski and eight great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ann F & William E Jones, his step-daughter, Pamela Pedone Bibbens, and his sister Doris Jones

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to your favorite charity in honor of his lifelong commitment to his fellow soldiers and his country.

A service honoring his life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 30, 2025 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Jerry Speer and Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

Major Jones will be remembered for his courage, humility and steadfast devotion to God, family and country. His legacy of service lives on in all who knew and loved him.