Horace "Dick" Linwood Jones

On Wednesday, April 8, Horace Linwood “Dick” Jones, a loving husband and father of three, passed away at age 82. He was born in Portsmouth, VA on January 20th, 1938 to Horace and Florence (Forbes) Jones.

Self-made in every way, Dick worked his way through college by playing trumpet in a big band orchestra, first attending Randolph Macon College and then Southern Mississippi College. It was at Southern Miss where he met his wife, Elizabeth Anne (Stephenson) Jones, and together they raised two daughters, Holly and Carrie, and a son, Steve.

Dick was a natural born leader, and, after early stints at GE and Bekins Van lines in Washington, DC, he moved to Alabama and started working for Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he spent nearly 35 years, retiring as President and CEO in 2004. During the course of his career, he was Chairman of United Way, President of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and donated his talents and time to many other local civic and charitable causes.

His one true passion in life was his family, but, beyond that, was his interest in the Civil War (as a proud Virginian) and a love of classic cars and the history each one held. Upon retirement, he fulfilled a boyhood dream of becoming a boat owner and enjoyed cruising the Destin IntraCoastal, a passion which led him to founding the Baytowne Wharf Floating Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Florence Jones, and his brother, David Jones. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne Jones, his daughters, Holly and Carrie Jones, his son, Stephen Jones, his sister, Marsha Curry (Dixon), and his nephew, Jeff Curry.

His untold generosities were many and his examples of integrity and character will live on in those lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jimmie Hale Mission or the Washington National Cathedral.