William Earl Jones

William Earl Jones, 63, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. William was born in Okolona, MS, on May 15, 1961, to Dreaddie Mae and Odis Jones. He was raised by his grandparents, Alberta and Odis Jones, from 6-weeks of age.  They provided him with unwavering support, guidance, and a wealth of wisdom. On August 4, 1990, William married Patricia Bowers Jones, the love of his life, and they embarked on a journey of love that spanned decades.

William loved the Lord and lived a life of faith and devotion. He professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Poplar Springs CME Church in Shannon, MS.  He graduated from Nettleton High School in 1979. After graduation, William secured a job with Action Lane Furniture Company, where he remained until retirement in 2022. He was well-liked and respected by his co-workers, and over the course of his 43 years at Action Lane, he became known for his smile, positive attitude, and sense of humor. After retirement, William could be spotted most days cruising around town with that big smile on his face.

God, Patricia, and his family were the only things William loved more than the 49ers, the Lakers, and high school football and basketball. During football season, you were certain to see William with Patricia or his brother, Odis 'Junior,' at a game, and the same was true for basketball. William also cherished his role as godfather to Warren Herron, Gloria Jones, and Zander Nesby.  He loved them unconditionally and looked forward to their visits and engaging in shared activities. No matter what, William always looked out for his family and those closest to him.  He always tried to see the positive in any situation.  His memory will forever be etched in our hearts as a positive, kind man and true role model.

William leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Patricia Bowers Jones; 2 sisters: Shelia McGlown (Sammy) of Shannon, MS; and Wanda Jones of Atlanta, GA; 5 brothers: Carl Wayne Townsend of Atlanta, GA; James Anthony (Marissa) Jones of Dallas, TX; Odis Jones of Shannon, MS; Santo (Brina) Jones of Atlanta, GA; and Carlos "Kenny" Jones of Wisconsin; 3 aunts "like sisters": Verlean (Tobe, preceded her in death) Buchanan of Shannon, MS;  Margie (Leroy, preceded her in death); and Connie Williams of South Bend, IN; 4 uncles "like brothers": James Jones (Ozella, preceded him in death) of Shannon, MS; Jimmy (Joyce) Jones of Shannon, MS;  Carl (Margie) Jones of Shannon, MS; and Willie Jones of Shannon, MS. 1 beloved great aunt, Rebecca (George) Berry of Verona, MS; 3 godchildren: Warren Herron of Horn Lake, MS, Gloria Jones of Atlanta, GA, and Zander Nesby of Okolona, MS; mother-in-law: Lillie Bowers 'mom' of Okolona, MS, sister-in-law:  Shirley Bowers of Okolona, MS; and 2 brothers-in-law: Jimmie Bowers of Tupelo, MS; and Tony Bowers of Okolona,  MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends whom he loved and touched deeply. 

William is predeceased by his parents. Dreaddie Mae and Odis Jones, grandparents, Alberta and Odis Jones;, aunt, "like a sister", Loverta (Thomas) Myles.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Poplar Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal Church located at 31868 County Line Road in Shannon, MS 38868. William's Celebration of Life service will follow on Saturday, April 19, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM at the same location.