Joe Tillie Jones

Joe Tillie Jones, 81, of Candler, died on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals. Born and raised in Sandy Mush, NC, Joe was a son of the late Lattie "LL" and Pearl Plemmons Jones. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Geneva Duckett, Marie Beck, and Billie Walker, and brothers, Lattie, Jr., Riley L., and Ted L. Jones. Mr. Jones proudly served his country in the U.S. National Guard. He worked at the shipyard in Newport News, VA, before moving to Candler, working at American Enka. He then worked as an international representative for United Textile Workers of America. He retired as the International Vice President of United Food and Commercial Workers of America. He was honored to be named to the Governors Board of Ethics under Jim Hunt. He served under three governors, Republican and Democrat. He prided himself with the ability to work with all people and treat them equally, regardless of political affiliation, race, age, or gender. He helped many people and was loved and respected by most everyone with whom he came in contact. He loved being out in his garden working and spending time watching his grandchildren, KiLee and Coleman, participate in sports. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, JoAnn Rhymer Jones; son, Dana J. Jones and wife Kristi; sister, Grace Conrad; brother, Craig L. Jones, Sr.; grandchildren, KiLee and Coleman Jones; and several nieces and nephews. Joe was a loving husband, father, brother, granddad, uncle, friend, hero and advisor. The memorial service for Mr. Jones will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. His family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Greenville, SC, c/o Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.