Mr. Wiliam L. Jones Jr.

JONES, Mr. William L. Jr. - Age 92, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Lockwood Manor. Family hour 11:30 AM Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, 1159 E. Foss Ave., with funeral service commencing at 12:00 PM Pastor Brian Frelix, officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11:30 AM Thursday. Mr. Jones will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday with family present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends. William Louis Mack Jones III departed this life and received his heavenly reward on Saturday, March 15, 2025. William, affectionately known as "Junior" to many, was born on Thursday, September 15, 1932, to the union of William Louis Mack Jones II and Lula B. Wingard in Redfield, Arkansas—a small logging town southeast of Little Rock. His beloved wife of 62 years, Delois Jones, preceded him in death. William honorably served in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. While stationed on Army bases, he showcased his baseball talent by playing on Army baseball farm teams. His exceptional skill caught the attention of an Army officer whose father was a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. Following his service, William was offered a tryout with the Phillies, but he declined—a decision he later regretted—choosing instead to return to Redfield to work on the family farm and in their sawmill business. Despite this choice, William's love for baseball never wavered. He traveled throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas playing the game he cherished, competing against some of the Negro League’s greats, including Lou Brock, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, and Don Newcombe. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Delois Ussery. He often said he pitched harder than his 95-mile-an-hour fastball when she was in the stands watching. Their love story led to their union in holy matrimony on June 24, 1956, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Together, they welcomed three daughters—Janice, Debra, and Barbara—and he proudly embraced the title of "Girl Dad." In 1965, William, seeking a better life for his family, moved to Flint, Michigan, where he became gainfully employed at Chevrolet Truck and Bus, a division of General Motors Corporation and was a member of UAW Local #598. He retired in 1997 after 32 years of dedicated service, known for his strong work ethic and for missing only one day of work—because, as he fondly recalled, "Lois wanted to see Aretha Franklin in concert." A devoted member of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, William served with the Deacon Ministry and the Transportation Ministry until his health began to decline. He found great joy in driving around the city, serving the Lord, and ministering to the many Christians he transported to church on Sunday mornings. Beyond his love for baseball and fast-pitch softball—both of which he played well into his sixties—William also enjoyed a good game of dominoes and was known to say, "The bones talk." William leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories.William Louis Mack Jones III is survived by his daughters: Janice (Michael) Motley of Flushing, MI; Debra (Frederick) Jones-McConnell of Huntersville, NC; and Barbara (Steven) Jones-Wade of Elyria, OH. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him "PaPa" and saw him as their MVP, include Michael (Jacquelyn) Motley Jr., Frederick (Constance) McConnell Jr., Maurice Motley, Marvin Motley, Dedrick McConnell, Michelle (Jonathan) Matthews, Danielle McConnell, Dr. Shaunte’ (Nicholas) Schroeder, and Steven Wade II. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: Michaela, Maurice Jr.,Serenity, Asha, Wade, and Jonathan Jr. Additionally, William is survived by his two beloved sisters, Classie Mae Clark and Jeanne Cooper, and his brother, James C. Jones (Mary), all of Arkansas. He also leaves behind his dear friend and baseball companion, Deacon Eddie Lucas. William was preceded in death by his wife, Delois Jones; his parents, William Louis Mack Jones II and Lula B. Wingard; and his siblings, Fred Jones, John H. Jones, Edward Jones, and sister Jennie D Ward. He was also preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Silverine and Ezra Henry, along with a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

Mr. Wiliam L. Jones Jr.

September 15, 1932 - March 15, 2025