Gary D. Jones

Gary Douglas Jones, 78, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at his residence in Staunton.

He was born on March 13, 1946, in Front Royal, to the late Alexander McCloud, Jr. and May Douglas Cook Jones.

He was a graduate of Staunton Military Academy and received his bachelor's degree from Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He attended graduate school at the University of Virginia.

Gary enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country serving two tours of duty in Vietnam on the USS America. After his service in the Navy, he was employed by Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control. He retired after thirty-five years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Ann Campbell Jones, whom he married on December 23, 1970. They recently celebrated their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his two daughters, Christina Ann Jones and Angela Katrina Jones Clontz and her husband, Aaron. His grandson, William Douglas Clontz, was his pride and joy. Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in-law, William Campbell, and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his in-laws, Cecil Bryant and Helen Swisher Jennings Campbell, with whom he was especially close.

He attended Hebron Presbyterian Church in Staunton and was a long-time member of Mint Spring United Methodist Church.

Gary enjoyed watching sports - particularly basketball, baseball, football, and NASCAR. He loved the outdoors, whether it was looking at the mountains from his hilltop home, watching and feeding his birds or chopping wood. He was an avid animal lover, having numerous cats and dogs throughout his life. He was known for his kindness and always having a smile and a joke at the ready. Above all else, he was happiest spending time with his family and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Riverheads Fire and Rescue team and the Augusta County Sheriff's officers for their kindness and professionalism.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with the Pastor Spencer Black officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Mint Spring United Methodist Church (PO Box 14, Mint Spring, VA 24463), the Augusta Regional SPCA (PO Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402), or to the Riverheads Volunteer Fire Department (49 Swartzel Shop Road, Staunton, VA 24401).