Willie John Jones

Mr. Willie John Jones (age 74) was called home from this earthly plane on Monday, July 21, 2023, from a Putnam County Medical facility.

Homegoing services commemorating Mr. Willie Jones will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 29, 2023 at St. John AME Church in Eatonton, GA.

Funeral Address: 220 Willie Bailey St, Eatonton, GA 31024

        The Interment will take place at Browns Chapel, located at 103 Browns Chapel Rd, Eatonton, GA.

        The Repast will be held back at St. John AME Church, 220 Willie Bailey St, Eatonton, GA 31024.

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Mr. Willie John Jones made his introduction to this world on February 20, 1949. He was born in Cordele, GA, to the parentage of the late Sarah Mae Jones and the late Lonnie Jones, Sr. Willie transitioned into eternal life Friday morning, July 21, 2023, at the Putnam General Hospital in Eatonton, GA.

Willie spent most of his life residing in Eatonton, GA, where he started his educational growth and journey to manhood beginning with his enrollment and attendance in the Putnam County school system. “WJ,” as some would call him, was an exceptional student; he made sure he got the job done inside and outside of the classroom, and as a young adolescent he also became intrigued with the game of basketball. Willie worked hard to hone his skills on the courts, becoming the star basketball player with “the silky-smooth jumper.” He would eventually live his dream of helping the Butler Baker Tigers win a division championship title.

Second to Willie’s love of basketball was his love for water. After grade school, this interest led him to explore opportunities dealing with water systems, which in turn led to his employment with the Putnam County Water Works System. Willie later transferred to the Porterdale Water Works System where he advanced his knowledge and credentials, earning several certifications that designated him as an expert in his field. Wanting to be closer to home and desiring a chance at a promotion and higher position, Willie then accepted an employment opportunity with the Monticello Waters Works System. There he would continue acquiring certifications until he became recognized as a master at his job. It was at the Monticello Water Works System where Willie would finally complete his 42 faithful years of diligent service to Georgia’s water departments, before coming home in retirement to focus on one of his favorite pastimes—fishing.

With his love of water, it comes as no surprise that water played an important part in Willie’s favorite pastime of fishing; fishing was Willie’s heart and soul. Just as he had with basketball years before, he worked at his passion, growing and improving his fishing skills until he evolved into a truly exemplary fisherman. Willie also loved children and was such a joy to be around because he really took the time to simply enjoy life, always making it a point to take life just as it came at him: one day at a time.

Willie is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sarah Mae Jones and Lonnie Jones, Sr.; three brothers, Lonnie Jones, Jr., Alton Ray Jones, and Emanuel Jones; one sister, Louise Carrie Baity; and one sister-in-law, Nancy Jones.

To cherish his beloved memory Willie leaves behind one son, Michael Thompkins; one daughter, Patrice Puryear (Vincent); four grandchildren, Christian Thompkins, Venitra Puryear, Samuel Puryear II, and Sharice Puryear; one brother, Freddie Jones (Janice); one brother-in-law, Samuel Baity; one sister-in-law, Fannie Bell Jones; a beloved friend, Mildred Elaine Thompkins; one devoted co-worker and friend, Brenda Driskell Norris (Bobby); another dear friend, Cynthia Stevens; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving family members, and friends that Willie cherished dearly.

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