Calvin Jones, Jr.

The community of Verbena lost one of its native sons Tuesday, April 4 with the death of Calvin Jones, Jr., age 89.

Mr. Jones was born in his family home on Verbena farmland off Alabama Highway 22 on Feb. 18, 1928 to parents, Calvin E. Jones and Martha Ellen Jones. His Alabama home was always close to his heart, and this man of few words would sometimes share his growing-up stories when he was in a talking mood. How his Dad hooked up a borrowed radio to a Model-T Ford battery so the family could listen to music for a little while. Or the hard work of farming and picking cotton during the Depression years. Or walking across the old iron bridge spanning Chestnut Creek to get to Verbena High School.

After graduating from Verbena High School in 1946, Mr. Jones joined the U.S. Navy. During his 22-year career, he served on naval bases in Jacksonville, Florida, and Pensacola, Florida; Cherry Point, North Carolina, Lake Hurst, New Jersey, and Millington, Tennessee.

He traveled the world on several aircraft carriers, including the U.S.S. Coral Seal, the U.S.S. Independence and the U.S.S. Shangri-La. He rose to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) by the time he retired from Military service in 1967.

Following his military career, he worked with Holiday Inns, Inc. and later returned to Verbena where he worked for Alabama Power for 9 years. He met his wife of 28 years, Violet Jane Jones, and they built their home on the family land.

While he was still physically able, he loved to get outside, tinker in the shed and walk the land. He loved to read, especially history and enjoyed researching his family ancestors’ history. He served as a board member on the Verbena Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Clanton VFW, Post 3193.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife Violet Jane; four children, Trina Jones, Mary Jones, Rhonda Jones and Randy Jones (Lori); stepsons, David and Michael Myers; sisters, Voncille Driver and Betty Jean Mercer; four grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Calvin E. Jones and Martha Ellen Jones; younger brother, Homer Clyde Jones and step grandson, Michael Jay Myer, Jr.

A graveside service with honors will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 14 at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.

Charter Funeral Home directing.