Arnold Gary Jones
July 7, 1966 ~ December 18, 2025
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailArnold “Gary” Jones, age 59, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by those who loved him.
Gary was born to Mary Sue Bishop Jones and the late Arnold Earl Jones. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Jones, and his sister, Sherrie Jones.
Gary was a devoted man of God whose faith guided every aspect of his life. He was a deeply spiritual father, a devoted husband, a loving father and “Pap,” and a mentor to many who were blessed by his wisdom, encouragement, and example. His strength, faith, and steady presence left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Freida Clement Jones; his sons, Aaron Jones (Taylor) and Justin Jones; and his daughters, Candace Player (Alex) and Cassandra Jones. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Isabella, Elisha, Melody, Emilee, Landon, Wrenly, Jaxon, Areilla, and Felicity, who were the joy of his life.
Gary also had a deep love for his work and spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver, a career he truly cherished. He especially loved driving his Peterbilt, finding peace and purpose on the open road—Freedom and Going Home.
He is also survived by his brothers, Jason Jones and Ronnie Jones; and his sisters, Debbie Ogle (Larry), Rhonda Hicks, Sandy Beaver, Brenda Ingle, Rhonda Poteat (Johnny), and Marsha Messer, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue and officiated by Wade Zachary. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Payne Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Marshall, North Carolina.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: December 21, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Service: December 21, 2025 12:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Burial: December 21, 2025 1:30 pm
Payne Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery
6712 Little Pine Rd.
Marshall, NC 28753
Love from Jesus,
The Morris family.
Gary will be greatly missed, not only by his precious family. He was always obedient to God’s voice and walked the walk. How do I know? Many years back I had a horrible wet and itchy situation on my foot. No doctor was able to help me. At a prayer meeting at Sue Lindner’s house he all of the sudden asked if he could pray for my foot. He had no idea. In the evening I took a shower and realized that everything was gone. It never came back. My heart goes out to the family, but especially Freida. As Gary is with our beloved Savior now he leaves an empty place here. May God fill that with His loving presence and bring comfort in this time of loss. My deepest condolences.
We love you so much Justin, wish we could have been there. But you remain on our minds and in our prayers.
May God’s promise comfort & strengthen Gary’s loved ones. He was a kind soul, and I’m sure he will be missed by many.
🙏🌻🙏
Justin and family..I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this time.
I’m so sorry to learn of Gary’s homegoing. He was such an inspiration to me. I pray the Lord hold you close and give you peace and strength during this season and continuing. I love you Freida.
Gary was truly one of the most joyous people I knew. His eyes always twinkled and his laugh was contagious. He truly listened for and to God, as many times he came to me with a word or a prayer.
One of my favorite memories to talk about when it came to Gary involved prayer. Life had been heavy for me at the time, and I found myself at the altar in prayer. Gary was pacing behind me (and many others) quietly praying. He came to a standstill behind me and I realized I no longer heard his voice. Instead, there was a warmth that enveloped me, much like a heated blanket. I thought maybe Gary had placed a blanket on me, but when I opened my eyes, there was no blanket ….. just Gary standing behind me with a sweet and gentle smile on his face. He nodded at me and resumed praying for others. I have never felt such as a peace as I did that night…..
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Knowing that he’s heaven with his savior and with all our relatives who have gone before offers little conciliation for the hole that’s left here on earth……
I will forever carry those precious memories with him❤️
Praying for his family during this difficult time🙏🏼