John Lee "Johnny" Jones

John Lee "Johnny" Jones, (Retired U.S. Army 1SG), 88 of Graceville entered his Heavenly home, Thursday, December 19, 2024. Johnny was born March 20, 1936, in Orangeburg, SC to the late Gary Evans Jones and Donie Crosby Jones. He retired as a First Sergeant, U.S. Army following 20 years, Johnny served in the Vietnam Era and awarded 3 Bronze Stars with Valor for Heroism, Meritorious Service Medal and several more decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citation and campaign ribbons. Johnny did not feel it necessary to use vulgarity in training, but in a Christian way was as tough as any other SG because he knew that was necessary for their own future wellbeing. His platoon always had higher scores and fewer AWOLS than others. Upon retirement from the U.S. Army Johnny enrolled at Chipola College Technical School in small appliance repair. He worked with City of Graceville and Eddie Smith Appliance before his employment with Liberty National Life Insurance Company where he worked for 18 ½ years. After retiring with Liberty National Life Insurance Company, Johnny felt the Lord’s distinct calling for Christian service. He enrolled at the Baptist Bible Institute, known today as the Baptist University of Florida, where he studied in the pastorate and Old and New Testament. Ordained at Damascus Baptist Church, Johnny served as pastor over the years at New Home Baptist Church (Graceville, FL), Eastside Baptist Church (Vernon, FL) and New Zion Baptist Church (Geneva, AL). American General Insurance Company pursued Johnny because of his excellence in insurance and became an agent with them, therefore becoming a bi-vocational pastor. Johnny was a top leading agent making the Presidents Club with other honors but the most important was he was able to help ones meet their needs and witnessing to them about the love of Christ. Johnny also served his community in many capacities. He was Chaplain for American Legion Post 42 Graceville, also served as past Commander, a past member of the Graceville Lions Club where he assisted in putting together one of the biggest July 4th celebrations Graceville ever had, the many other capacities he held with Salem-New Home Community and Club and Damascus Baptist Church. His life was rarely about himself but instead it was about making Jesus known, loving and serving others the best he knew how. He was a mentor to many and discipled countless young men and boys through the years. With Johnny’s hard work and steadfast work for the Lord he, along with his beloved wife were able to enjoy many trips, making many friends and good memories. He was also the ultimate jokester with a quick sense of humor bringing a smile and laughter to all he encountered. Johnny to those that know him best he was a godly man, a hero, a warrior, and servant leader. Preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and four sisters. Survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Mary Barfield Jones, one son Greg Jones (Cheryl), two daughters Susan DeMott (Doug), Staci DeJean (Roger), twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a host nieces and nephews. A Home-going service will be held, 2 PM (CST), Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Damascus Baptist Church with Dr. Paola Bass, Dr. Jerry Oswalt, Rev. Brian Taylor and Rev. Chester Padgett officiating. The burial will follow in New Home Baptist Cemetery with full Military Honors given by the U.S. Army, Ft. Novosel. Family will receive friends at Damascus Baptist Church, Saturday, December 28, 12 PM until time of the service. Expressions of remembrance and sympathy can be made at www.jamesandlipford.com

John Lee "Johnny" Jones

March 20, 1936 - December 19, 2024