Donald "KJ" Kevin Jones

Donald Kevin “KJ” Jones, 53, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 16, 2025. Born on February 8, 1972, in Raleigh, North Carolina to Don and Nan Jones and raised in the Social Plains Community.

KJ spent his life rooted in the community he truly loved. A proud graduate of NC State University with an associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Kevin combined his education with a lifelong passion for golf to build a remarkable career.

Kevin picked up the game of golf in his junior year of high school and started working in the Pro Shop at Lake Royale / The River in Bunn, North Carolina. While in school at NC State, he went to work as an Assistant in The Pro Shop at Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, where he could still tell you every member's account number by heart. He was a proud Carolinas PGA Member for over 25 years.

On May 1st, 1998, he opened Knights Play Golf Center as the Head Golf Professional. For the past 27 years, he has served as Head Professional Golfer, then in 2015, he became Co-Owner of Knights Play Golf Center. A place that became not only a professional home but also a cherished gathering spot for countless friends and families.

KJ was known for doing things the old-school way—simple, humble, and grounded. He was a homebody at heart who found JOY in the familiar comforts of his faith, family and friends, and he lived each day to help and serve others. He would greet everyone with a smile and say, “Hey Pro!” He had lots of great “sayings” and special, loving nicknames for his KP family. Kevin would always give you a thumbs up whether in person or in a text. Kevin would want you to know, “It’s all good!”

Kevin’s generosity knew no bounds; always putting others’ needs before his own. Kevin had a heart of gold that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A devoted family man and strong in his faith, Kevin loved to worship the Lord and was an active member of Apex Baptist Church. Kevin was brought up in the church from birth and was connected with several churches throughout his life including Social Plains Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church. Kevin and Kelli were married at Salem Baptist Church on July 16, 1994, and just celebrated their 30th anniversary.

His love for sports was boundless, softball, basketball and especially golf—and nothing brought more pride than watching Keegan and Kelsey play the game. Whether sharing tips on the green or cheering from the sidelines, KJ’s presence was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.

KJ also had a sweet tooth for chocolate and a fondness for classic television, particularly The Andy Griffith Show, which brought him comfort and laughter over the years. Kevin loved to sing and listen to songs by the Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, good classic hymns of the faith and contemporary Christian praise songs.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kelli Holt Jones; son, Keegan Murray Jones; daughter, Kelsey Marie Jones; his parents, Don and Nan Jones; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by KJ’s kindness and unwavering support.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home. The tee time for Kevin’s funeral service will be on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Apex Baptist Church. (Services will be live streamed for everyone’s viewership that is unable to attend.)

The live stream can be found here:

https://boxcast.tv/view/kevin-jones-service-tee-time-ktmxxk60her67jt3uof1?%C2%A7gl=1*zyexw1*%C2%A7gcl%C2%A7au*NjI2NTg4NzkzLjE3NDYxMTE5NDg.*%C2%A7ga*ODY1NDA4MzAxLjE3Mjc3OTUwMjQ.*%C2%A7ga%C2%A7PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3NDc2ODQxNjkkbzMxJGcxJHQxNzQ3Njg0Mjc2JGowJGwwJGgw

For the visitation and/or funeral service, please wear your favorite golf shirt in honor and memory of Kevin. Interment will immediately follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

Kevin’s legacy lives on through every swing taken on the course at Knights Play and every life touched with quiet strength and enduring love. May his memory and legacy bring comfort to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Apex Baptist Church - please select the Generations Building Fund https://www.apexbaptist.org/give

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (South Wake FCA) https://my.fca.org/?form=southwakefca

Special Olympics of North Carolina https://sonc.net/

Services entrusted to Apex Funeral Home, of Apex, NC.