David Excell Jones

David Excell Jones (known fondly to friends and family as Dave) was born in Anderson, Indiana on June 9, 1922. He resided most of his life in Anderson, the city he got as much from as he tried to give.

He graduated from Anderson High School in 1940 and shortly after married the love of his life, Virginia Thompson, on May 1, 1942. Dave worked at the Delco Remy plant in Anderson and later served as Personnel Director in the battery plants in Olathe, KS; Muncie, IN; and Fitzgerald, GA. He retired from the Georgia Delco Remy plant in 1985 after 40 honorable years of service.

During World War II, Dave enlisted in the Army with the 99th Infantry Division, 1st Army, in Belgium and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he and the allies held back the last major German offensive campaign of the War. Dave was honorably discharged and earned a Purple Heart for his efforts in the War. In 2017, he was completely humbled to be served by the non-profit organization, Honor Flights, that flew him to the US capital to see the veteran memorials. He never stopped talking about being the oldest veteran on the trip.

Later in life, Dave and Virginia moved to Alpharetta, GA to be near their daughter and her family. The years after saw a return back to their beloved town of Anderson and then ultimately a final move back to Atlanta to be near family once again.

Dave was a member of the Anderson First United Methodist Church, who provided him with life long support during the good and bad times of life. He was also a sixty year member of the Masonic Fellowship Lodge, Tourist Club, and was active in Civic Organization through the years.

Survivors include grandsons Alex McCracken (Rachel McCracken) of Louisville, CO; Jay McCracken, MD (Dr. Courtney McCracken, PhD) of Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren Callan McCracken and Parker McCracken of Atlanta, GA; Wiley McCracken of Louisville, CO; niece Jackie Grimes (Mike Grimes) of Anderson, IN; Judy Jacobs (Mike Jacobs) of Florida; Mike Jones of Florida; and nephew Lee Thompson (Mary Thompson) of Florida.

Preceded in death were his beloved wife, Virginia Jones and daughter, Cheryl Jones McCracken; brothers Marvin Jones and Robert Jones; sister Juanita Jones Sigler; and parents Myrtle Williamson Jones and Paul D Jones.

Memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson First United Methodist Church.