Dennis Harry Jones

Dennis Harry Jones, 85, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in his home. He has joined the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Nancy, who passed away October 7, 2015. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he attended Manual High School where he played football, baseball and ran track under Coach Butch Charmoli. Harry and his identical twin brother Larry were recruited to play football at the University of Kentucky by Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Harry wore number 1A, his brother Larry, 1B, on UK's 1950 National Championship Football Team, and played baseball for the university while earning his Engineering and Business Degrees. Harry set several rushing records at Kentucky and still holds the record for the longest run from the line of scrimmage, a 91-yard run.

After serving as a Captain in the US Army Corps of Engineers, Harry returned to Louisville, where he and Larry founded Jones Plastic and Engineering Corporation in 1961. Throughout his life, Harry was actively involved with the University of Louisville and served on several boards, including the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Athletic Board and Board of Overseers. Just this past December he received the University of Louisville Presidential Medal from President Jim Ramsey in recognition of his tireless energy and outstanding leadership benefiting the University, Louisville Metro and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

He was an avid fan of attending college sporting events at both University of Louisville and his alma mater. He was inducted in the Manual Hall of Fame. He was a member of Hurstbourne Country Club, The Forest Country Club, Churchill Downs Turf Club, and a founding member of Valhalla Golf Club. He proudly served as a Director of Republic Bank and Trust, Jeffersontown and Louisville Chambers of Commerce and was a Member of the State Personnel Board.

Harry and Nancy started the "Goofy Golf Group" at Hurstbourne CC, creating a fun weekly social event for their friends. He enjoyed "Galloping Ping-Pong," a famous holiday tradition that he rarely missed a chance to play. He was a notorious story teller, and always had facts to support his point (or he made them up). Harry also enjoyed his friends, world travel, thoroughbred racing, golf, 60's music, card games, and Vegas trips. His famous lines include "You lose more when you bet less when you win," “That is a true story,” and "I'd never lie about something like that." He had an unfailing ability to make those around him laugh. Harry leaves a legacy of strength and passion with sincere devotion to his family, friends and loved ones, who will greatly miss him and his singing rendition of "La Bamba" at parties and weddings.

Harry is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Major Hearne Jones, his twin brother, Robert Larry Jones, his parents, Mabel and Earl Jones, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Mary Hearne.

He is survived by three sons, Kevin (Karine), Steve (Michelle), and Craig (Laura), brother-in-law and sister–in-law, Nancy and Joe Hearne of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Harry is also survived by eleven grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Steve Jr.,( Erin), Jackie Cummins (Tyler), Ryan (Meredith), Meredith, Creighton, Mason (fiancé, Jennifer Tindal), Kaitlyn (fiancé, Tim George, Jr.), Stephanie Pape, Jennifer, Jill and Kevin II, as well as one great-granddaughter, Addison Shea.

A private family service and burial will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Nancy and Harry Jones to Hosparus or a charity of your choice.