He was a retired pulpwood contractor for Georgia Pacific, board member for the Lacey-Ladelle Water Association, past-president of the Drew Central School Board and a member/trustee of the Lacey United Methodist Church. Willis loved the outdoors and was an avid bird hunter.
Survivors include his wife, Bitty Knowles Jones of Lacey; one son, Sampy Jones of Lacey; two grandchildren, David Jones and wife Windy of Hamburg and Turah Rush and husband Reagan of Lacey; five great grandchildren, Colby White, Emily Rush, Brandon Jones, Ashton Jones, and Kamryn Jones; three great-great grandchildren, Madison, Emerson and Easton Jones; and a sister-in-law, Betty Findley and husband Mickey of Monticello.
Funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time Thursday. Memorials may be given to Lacey Methodist Church, c/o Sherry Wallis, 2540 Prairie Rd, Monticello, AR 71655 or the Lacey Cemetery Association, c/o Roy Alan White, 671 Hwy 133, Fountain Hill, AR 71642 . Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(21)
linda funderburg
monticello, AR Sunday, October 23, 2016 my condolence to the jones family God blessDoogie Darling
Crossett, AR Sunday, October 23, 2016 So sorry to hear of the death of Willis. He was a great, dependable pulpwood producer and I am sure a hard worker in anything he did. May our Lord give you peace and comfort during this time. Loved ones are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.Alvin and Irma. James
Monticello, AR Sunday, October 23, 2016 To Mrs Bitty and family: so sorry to hear of Mr.Willis --was out of town. He was a great man. Mom and dad loved him. Can certainly say he left this world ....Job well done.! Our thoughts and prayers with all of you.John Porter Price
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 20, 2016 I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Willis's death. He was a true pioneer in the logging industry in southeast Arkansas. Men like him are a tribute to the character, and integrity that exists in our industry today. He sat the standard for many young men who entered the game, I being one of them. He was a prominent man who makes me proud to say - I made my living in the timber business. His family can take comfort in knowing his memory will long live, and be remembered as a man who lived a life of hard honest work.Jason Camden
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 20, 2016 Prayers for your family. Mr. Jones was a super guy. God bless to the family.Joye Stephenson
Crossett, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. Love, JoyeStanley Browder
, TX Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Sampy, please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your Mother.Karen Brown
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 I was sad to hear of his passing but rejoice with the knowledge of life after death. To his grands he was the ultimate grandpa and his beloved great greats have insured his last years to be some of the best of his life. Brandon and Ashton, I'm sorry for your loss. I love you.Lena (Feeser) Cooper
White Hall, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Prayers for the family. Always enjoyed seeing and talking with Mr. Willis. Memories will remain forever.Debby Wylie
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Bitty and Sampy,It was a honor to get to know Mr Willis while working at the store. He use to scare me to death out there mowing on his tractor. And really enjoyed when he would come in for his visits. He will always hold a special place in my heart.I'm so sorry for your lose. Your in my prayers
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BUTCH YATES
FOUNTAIN HILL, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 MR WILLISLaNell McKiever
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Bitty, I know you were part of Raymond's family and both of you were a favorite of his and me. So sorry for your loss, and I know there will be a great gap in your life, thinking of you because I know the loss is great.Betty Russell
Lacey, AR Wednesday, October 19, 2016 We have lost a great neighbor & friend. He always had a big smile for everyone he met. Mrs. Bitty my heart breaks for you & your family, you are in our thoughts & prayers.Betty & Tony Peebles
Walter S Chapman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 So sorry to hear of Mr. Willis' passing. He was a kind and gentle man who was loved and respected by all. He will leave a giant hole in our community and in our hearts. My dad worked for Mr. Willis when I was but a small boy Once my dad took me to work with him out in the big woods somewhere around Longview. After the pulpwood truck was loaded we all went to Fountain Hill to unload. Somehow my fingers got slammed by the door as it was being closed. Mr. Willis sympathy and concern for me never left my memory. My prayers are with you Ms. Bitty, Sampy, Keturah and families.Carmen Smith
Hamburg, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Turah, Colby & Emily,My heart hurts for you all during the sad loss of such a precious man. Treasure the good times and hang on tight to those special memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love ya'll and remember, I'm only a phone call away anytime, day or night! Give Mamaw a big hug from me!
Carol Grassi
Warren, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Prayers for all of you.Beth Davis
, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 My thoughts and prayers. Me Willis was a great man and will be missed.Love you all
Janie & Larry Fuller
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Bitty & FamilyWe are so sorry for your loss of Willis. We shall always remember the good times we enjoyed together in your & our homes.
Willis was such a kind gentleman.
We pray that God will give you comfort & peace during this time.
We shall miss him.
Janie & Larry Fuller
Charles Clingman
Holly Pond, AL Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Bitty, so sorry about the loss of Willis. I have so many good memories of all of you. My Jane passed June 7, 2016 and my heart is with you in your sorrow. Take care.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Bitty & Sampy, I am saddened for your loss. It's so hard to loose those whom we love so dearly. Always continue to cherish all the wonderful memories shared together. May God surround you with his love to give you peace and comfort.With love & sympathy,
Janice
Jim Glennon
Possum Valley, AR Tuesday, October 18, 2016 So sorry for your loss.