Robert E. Jones, 83, died on April 13th at his home surrounded by his family.
Bob was born August 15, 1926, in Spencer, NC; however, he moved to Cary as a young child and always considered that home. Bob was a life-long resident of the Triangle area, living in Cary, Butner, Raleigh, Apex and spending many childhood summers in his beloved West Hillsborough.
He graduated from Cary High School in April 1943. He served in the Navy for two years during WWII. After returning from the war, he attended Edwards Military Institute and went on to complete his education at Wake Forest College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1950.
Bob worked with the N.C. Department of Corrections. He served as a counselor and superintendent of Umstead Youth Center in Butner and after moving to Raleigh in 1963, continued with the department until his retirement in 1988.
Bob relished his involvement in youth sports, coaching and umpiring baseball, and refereeing football and basketball. He also served as the booking agent for the Capital Area Umpires Association for many years.
Bob was raised a Baptist, attending Ephesus Baptist Church while living in Raleigh and then joining Salem Baptist Church when he moved to Apex to care for his mother.
As Bob's health declined, he was involved in fewer activities. Dallas' Chicken and Biscuits in Apex became his six-day a week second home. He valued his friendships there, and he shared those friendships with his family.
Bob was born to James Edward "Casey" Jones and Minnie Murray Jones Lewter.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Elizabeth York Benson and Dorothy Jones Breland.
He is survived by two siblings, Nell York Phillips and Frances Jones Mabry; four children, Randy Jones, Diana Long, Micki Jones and Lori Stepp; six grandchildren, Tonya Woods, Tracy Rodriguez, Elizabeth Tripp, Joshua Long, Kelly Jones and Joanna Long; one great-grandson, Bryce Tripp; and numerous grand-dogs.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church, 1200 Salem Church Road in Apex.
Visitation and lunch will follow at Dallas Chicken and Biscuits on Highway 55 in Apex.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Terri Grinder, the nurses and aides on 300 hall, Mark and Allison at Rex Rehab of Apex; and Danny and Sherita at Hospice of Wake County.
Memorials may be made to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603 or Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.