of Benton, AR
August 18, 1936 - December 5, 2012
Paul E. Jones, age 76, of Benton, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 5, 2012. He was born on August 18, 1936 in Ridge Top, Tennessee to the late John L. and Estelle Jones.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jordan Guerra, one sister, Margaret Eggstein, and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Jones.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Joann Wallace Jones of the home; two daughters, Terry Guerra (John) of Mt. Ida and Paula Grasse (Jimmy) of Bryant; son, Jamie Jones (Gina) of Benton; six-grandchildren, Janie Cundiff (Jason), Taylor Toney, Jackson Guerra (Samantha), and Jo Beth Guerra, and Josie and Jake Jones; two great-grandchildren, Julie Anne and John Cundiff; three brothers, John Jones of Detroit, Michigan, Maxey Jones (Pearl) of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Harold Jones (Rhonda) of Greenbrier, Tennessee; one sister, Martha Carpenter (Claude) of Atlanta, Georgia
Growing up in middle Tennessee, the family grew and processed tobacco for the market, which included the children. Immediately after graduating from White House High School in 1954, Paul joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1954 1963 which included two tours of duty, one being in Southeast Asia and the other in Japan. Serving in the military afforded him the privilege to attend college at the Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas on the G.I. Bill. He played football and baseball for the Navy in Millington, Tennessee.
After college, Paul worked briefly for General Electric in North Little Rock. He loved the outdoors, so he changed careers and began working in the automobile business. He started this career with Lee Vaughan Buick, Pontiac located at 3rd and Broadway in Little Rock. He eventually owned and operated Paul Jones Buick, Pontiac, GMC. He enjoyed his work, meeting people and treating his customers like family. Imprinted on his dealer stationary was ''Where making a deal is a handshake.''
June 4, 1959 Paul married Joann Wallace of North Little Rock. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 2009 at a celebration among family and friends at their home given by their children.
In 1968, Paul was honored by membership in the Sales and Marketing Executive Club and received the distinguished Salesman's Award. He received numerous citations and plaques commemorating his sales ability.
The people with whom he worked became his extended family, but he was always competitive. A person's nationality, race, education, or social class was not important. He hugged everyone.
He enjoyed playing sports, coaching and as a spectator especially watching his son, Jamie and two grandsons, Jackson and Jake and granddaughters, Jo Beth and Josie. He coached the Future Panthers Cardinal football team and Benton Little League Baseball for several years. He enjoyed fishing, quail hunting and spending time at Greers Ferry Lake with his family.
As a member of First Baptist Church in Benton, he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher and on many committees.
Funeral services will be 10:00 Saturday, December 8, 2012 at First Baptist Church Selph Hall in Benton with Dr. Richard Grant and Bro. John Guerra officiating. Entombment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock. Serving as pallbearers will be Rhett Tracy, Tommy Jumper, Steve McGuire, Jackson Guerra, Jimmy Grasse, Jamie Jones, and Bart Turbyfill.
Visitation is from 6:00 8:00 P.M. Friday, December 7, 2012 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047).
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 211 S. Market St., Benton, AR 72015 and Alzheimer's Assocation, 1202 Main St., Suite 215, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Sign Guestbook
16 Condolence(s)
Saline Memorial Hospice
Monday, December 10, 2012
The staff of Saline Memorial Hospice extends our condolences with the loss of Mr. Jones. Thank you for honoring us with his presence. May your memories and love give your family peace for this day and strength for your tomorrows.
Richard & Gabriell Mills
Monday, December 10, 2012
Joann & family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. There is no doubt in our hearts that Paul would be so proud of all of you. Joann, you are an inspiration and a blessing to many people.
SGM Kenneth Hendrix
Friday, December 7, 2012
Mr. Jones was a mentor and example for all young men in Benton. I am sorry for your loss, and I will ensure all my Soldiers in Afghanistan know that a Marine is finally off guard duty.
Howard Heron
Friday, December 7, 2012
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
I enjoyed working with Paul at Vaughn Hicks Buick
many years ago; so sorry to hear of his passing.
Howard Heron - ex employee; Vaughn Hicks Buick
Jennifer Kelly
Friday, December 7, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Jones' passing. He was such a sweet caring man who always offered a hand shake or a hug. We are praying for you all.
Jasen and Jennifer Kelly
Blake Dorsey
Friday, December 7, 2012
Praying for your family.
carlynn Davis
Friday, December 7, 2012
So sorrry to hear that Paul passed away. After working with Paul, from 1966 to 1970, he was teriffic salesman, and a kind and thoughtful person. Rest in peace Paul, you will be missed.
Eddie Smith
Friday, December 7, 2012
To all the family, sorry to hear about Mr. Jones, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jo & Jim Splawn
Friday, December 7, 2012
Dear Joann & Family,
Please accept our deepiest condolences for the passing of Paul. Our lifes was enriched for being friends with you, Paul, & family during our residence in Benton.
May the Lord comfort you all,
Jo & Jim Splawn
Greg and karen Chenault
Friday, December 7, 2012
Our prayers are with your sweet family during this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a good guy and we know you'll miss him, but pray that you'll have peace in knowing you'll see him again someday in heaven.
With love,
Greg & Karen
Chenault
Phyllis Chambers
Thursday, December 6, 2012
What an awesome life and testimony! His legacy lives on through his children? Terry has been an inspiration to many! What a wonderful father and man of God!
Sue Jones-bryant
Thursday, December 6, 2012
This is a beautiful and loving tribute Paula. It is so evidently made with much love. God Bless you and Family.
Melinda Henthorne
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thoughts and prayers with the family. May you have comfort and peace knowing that Mr. Jones was a terrific man with a big heart.
Melinda & Josh Henthorne
Carolyn Buckner
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived.
Charlotte
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Paul was a wonderful and kind Christian man. He adored his family as they did him. He will be missed so very much.
Parker Parish
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Paula and Family -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Parker, Vandra & Erika Parish.