Mr. George "Tommy" Jones' Obituary
George “Tommy” Lewis Jones, age 80 of Scottsboro, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm with the funeral service starting at 2:00 pm at Rudder Funeral Home in Scottsboro. Bro. Randy Sharp and Bro. Jeff Mann will be officiating, and burial will follow at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.
Yesterday I lost my grandfather, Tommy. Actually his name was George Jones, but I just called him Papa Tommy (pronounced paw paw Tommy). One could compare his life to a rough Kentucky whiskey in a fine flask made by Asprey. My granddad was a perfect example of what Christ can do in a person’s life. His daddy skills were minimal at best when he was young and he was a heavy drinker. He frequented the bar and rough ole holes in the wall within driving distance or a good long walk. He worked on small engines and provided maintenance at local hotel, apartments, etc. But in his youth, alcohol was his hobby and habit.
As time goes on and a body goes weary from substance abuse, a man has two choices. Quit it or die from it. My grandpa was a go getter so to speak when it comes to carousin back in the day. I’m not saying that’s a good thing by any stretch, but it has to be noted to know how far he came before the end. After two wives and umpteen kids, he finally began the process of turning his life around. For 46 years he drank, fought, and smoked like a freight train. But in 1981, after finding his 3rd wife and true love Dorothy, he made a change. The Lord moved on him, convicted him, and Papa Tommy asked for salvation. The Lord does answer prayer, and I know that the prayers of Dorothy, Michael, and Lisa were heard, and that’s why the Lord placed his hand on Granddaddy. I have no doubt that this was the first hard line battle for Papas soul. Dorothy and her two kids were prayer warriors. They fought the battle, and the Lord stepped in. When God steps in….ball game.
Once Papa Tommy was saved that was it. He was a changed man; of course he was, he was born again. He became a father figure to Michael and Lisa, and a grandfather to his grandkids. His children forgave him of childhood absence and my dad built a relationship with him that only a man of superhuman character could build. Forgiveness ran rampant within the Jones family. Once again, Gods will at work.
I’ll always remember the rummy and rook games at my grandpas’ sibling’s homes and all the fun times we had. He could pick a guitar and mandolin as well as the other George Jones and he had a contagious smile that was ever present. Every time he saw my son he asked him “hey boy are you tough” and then he’d grin like a possum eatin’ saw briars.
The sour mash ran out in 1981 and all that was left was a sterling silver flask. May God show his grace to my sweet Granny Dorothy, all my grandfather’s kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He will be forever loved and missed. Go rest high on that mountain Papa Tommy.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jones; son, Tommy Wayne (DeBorah) Jones of Scottsboro; daughters, Phyllis (Larry) Webb of Hollytree, Darlene Swearengin of Scottsboro, Vicki Stump of Scottsboro, and Lillian Bible of Evans, GA; sisters, Margaret (H.C.) Wade of Scottsboro, and Fannie Lee Holt of Scottsboro; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Mr. Jones is preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillie Jones, brothers James “Tot” Jones, Talton Jones, Harold Jones, and John Macklin “Bud” Jones; daughter, Sharon O’Brien; and son, Michael Fox. Condolences may be made at www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
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