Thomas William Jones' Obituary
Thomas William Jones of Charlotte, NC died peacefully in his home on April 25th, 2023. He was 78 years old. “Tom,” as he was affectionately known, was born to Francis and William Jones, Jr in St. Louis, MO. He was the oldest of seven children. Tom graduated as Valedictorian from Wright City High School in Wright City, MO at age 17 and enlisted in the US Air Force. There, he served in the 444th Fighter Interceptor Squadron for four years as a Weapon Control Systems Mechanic, stationed in Denver, CO, Charleston, SC, and Wilmington, NC. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Wilmington College as a Finance major. Tom and his former wife, Mary Hughes Wallace, raised their three daughters in Wilmington and Belmont, NC.
Tom worked for most of his career as a pinsetter mechanic and maintenance supervisor for Brunswick Corporation in Charlotte, NC. He taught his daughters to bowl and play pool, and he always had a pocket full of change to offer up for video games. After retirement, Tom enjoyed working as a substitute teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Carolinas Aviation Museum. Tom was well known for building historically accurate models of Vietnam War-era fighter jets, a hobby that he enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren.
Tom always stressed the importance of education to his children, attempting to teach them complex math and physics from an early age. He was exceptionally proud to see all three of his daughters graduate from college and was always willing to brag about the personal and professional accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Tom will be remembered for his rich bass voice, his immense vocabulary, his love of chess and bridge, his ability to fix anything, his wry sense of humor, his legendary breakfasts, his generous spirit, and his love for his friends and family.
Tom leaves behind three daughters, Shannon (Lane), Elizabeth (Sbrocco), and Maria (Horn), six grandchildren, Natalie, Ren, Richie, Sam, Grace, and Matthew, one great-grandchild, Elena, three sisters, Jennifer, Donna, and Bonita, and a brother, Roger. He is preceded in death by both parents, two siblings, Theresa and Chris, and his best friend, Sue Spence.
Tom will be laid to rest with military honors at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC at 10am on Friday, May 26th, 2023. A memorial luncheon will follow.
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