JOE JONES

JOE JONES, age 93 of Sevierville, TN went to his eternal home in heaven on March 26, 2019. Born July 18, 1925 in Dandridge, Tennessee, he was an active duty member of the United States Army, serving in Panama during World War II. After his military service, he followed his dream of playing professional baseball. He compiled a career record of 42 wins and 49 losses in his 130-game pitching career with the Orlando Senators, Chattanooga Lookouts, Gadsden Pilots, Longview Texans and Pensacola Fliers. He began playing during the 1947 season and last took the field during the 1950 campaign. In the early 1950s, he sought employment in rapidly expanding Dayton Ohio, where he worked for over 30 years at Dayton Press (formerly McCalls) until their closure, and later started his own Duraclean carpet cleaning franchise which he operated throughout the 1970s. He served as a deacon at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren during this time period. Joe relocated to Tennessee in 1983 and started working in real estate while living in Sevierville. He also spent several years as an employee at Smokey Mountain Knifeworks. He was a faithful member of French Broad Church of the Brethren in White Pine. He was a gifted artist as well. He had a talent for drawing and was an accomplished wood carver. Joe produced hundreds of wood carvings over the years, often giving away his artworks to any who requested them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Herbert Jones and Ethyl Myrtle (Lemon) Jones; his wife Mary Anna (Frantz) Jones; and by a brother, John Robin Jones. He is survived by his two sons, Mike and Steve Jones; one grandson, Dean Jones; daughter-in-law Mary (Perkins) Jones and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019, 2:00pm at the French Broad Church of the Brethren with Rev. Justin Breeden and Rev. Ron Wine officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00pm prior to services at the church.