Luther Jones Jr.

The family will receive friends at Arlington Baptist Church of Mint Hill on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A celebration of life service, led by Pastor Rick Whittier, will follow immediately at the church. Luther will be interred in the church cemetery.

Luther, originally named "Luther Jr Jones," was born in Lee Township, Columbus County, North Carolina, on November 27, 1934, to Luther Gordon Jones and Tilda Coleman Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Gordon Jones and Tilda Coleman Jones; his brother, Furney Jones; and his sisters, Rosalee Jones Best, Marie Jones Evans, and Dorothy Jones Watson.

Luther’s long and varied professional life began in Belmont, NC, where he moved in 1955 to work as a truck driver for Kraft Foods. In 1957, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving time in Germany and France. After his active duty, he continued to serve his country for 30 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Master Sergeant.

Following his return, he began working for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) as a plumber. Utilizing the GI Bill, he furthered his education, earning his high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree. He then transitioned to become a Police Detective for CMS, from which he retired after 30 years of service. Parallel to his other careers, Luther was a dedicated entrepreneur, owning and operating his own successful Landscaping Business well into his retirement from CMS.

In 1957, Luther married his lifelong sweetheart, Shelby. They began their life together in Belmont, welcoming their first child, Blake Jones (Melinda). In 1966, they moved to Long Creek Township in Mecklenburg County, where they welcomed their second child, Susan West (Jay).

Known affectionately as “Luke,” he and Shelby were active members of their community as they raised their family. They later moved to Mint Hill and became devoted members of Arlington Church.

Luther had a deep passion for gardening, always sharing his abundant crops and nurturing the most beautiful flowers. In retirement, he and Shelby shared a love for travel, especially in their motor home to the beach and Key West, and enjoyed trips to Hawaii. A cherished annual tradition was taking the entire family, including children and grandchildren, to the beach the weekend of March 11th (his mother's birthday), followed by lunch and birthday cake on the way home.

Luther's memory will be carried on by his wife, Shelby; his two children, Blake Jones (Melinda) and Susan West (Jay); seven grandchildren: Randy Jones, Spencer Jones, Sarah West Hazelton, Jess West, and Libby West; and eight great-grandchildren: Atlas West, Penelope West, Theodore West, Shepherd West, Hunter Hazelton, Walker Hazelton, Ella Hazelton, and Lana Jones (expected soon).