Fred Charles Jones' Obituary
Fred Charles Jones, 88, died peacefully at his Charlotte home on April 7, 2019. He was a proud native of Wilkes County. Born March 7, 1931 to Conrad Hill Jones and Ruth Welch Jones, Fred was humble and hard-working, and he kept mountain roots close. He interrupted his college education to volunteer for service in the United States Air Force, and later graduated in 1955 from Appalachian State Teacher’s College, where he and Phyllis Elaine Roseman met; they married the same year. He spent nearly his entire career at U.S. Steel Corp., retiring as a senior sales representative.
Phyllis and Fred raised two children, Chuck (Beth), of Mint Hill; and Stephanie Miller (Brad), of Chapel Hill. They found the perfect retreat in a vacation home in Alleghany County, where they created fond memories of rocking on the screen porch with their family gathered.
Fred cherished their granddaughters, Lauren Hoffman (Greg) and Catherine McRae (David), and three great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his niece, Yvonne Pardue, of Fairfield, Va. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gwynn Welch Jones.
Fred was a longtime resident of the Derita community and a member of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as a deacon and elder for many years. He was active in and former president of the local Lions Club, was a Mason, and served on the board of directors of the Derita Volunteer Fire Department. Fred served countless organizations joyfully and selflessly. Among his many interests was a large vegetable garden and lovingly tended roses. He will be remembered for his unfaltering faith, humble demeanor, laughter that would fill any room with joy — and the signature suspenders that delighted his grandchildren.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, followed by the service at 11 a.m. Memorials in Fred’s name may be sent to Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church at 1600 W. Mallard Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262; Crisis Assistance Ministry, 500-A Spratt St., Charlotte, NC 28206; or the ASU Foundation, the W.L. Eury Humanities Endowment for the Appalachian Collection, Appalachian State University, ASU Box 32014, Boone, NC 28608.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family and condolences may be sent through our website at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Fred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fred?
Share a story where Fred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fred you’ll never forget.
How did Fred make you smile?
