William R. “Bill” Jones Jr. died Dec. 18. He was 93.
Jones was an Air Force chaplain during World War II. He led three churches in Florida and two churches in Maryland prior to his retirement. In Alabama, he was pastor of Westmont Baptist Church, Birmingham; Fayetteville Baptist Church; Sardis Baptist Church, Rockford and Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Sycamore.
“Brother Bill had a velvet smooth voice and a gentle manner,” said Rick Patrick, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Sylacauga, where Jones was a member. “He was witty, quick to smile and generous with praise and kindness. He was a member of the Greatest Generation who knew what it meant to sacrifice for others. He loved his family dearly and leaves a legacy of many members actively serving the Lord in various forms of mission and ministry. He will be dearly missed by our church family.”
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alene. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Betty; daughters Joy E. Jones Melton and Beverly Sprayberry White; sons William R. Jones III and Steven Sprayberry; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
