William Emmitt Jones

William “Bill” Emmitt Jones of Columbia, SC, died at home on Monday, August 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Bill was born December 4, 1954, in Osceola, Arkansas, to Dell M. Smith and Arthur E. Jones. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he pursued advanced degrees and certifications at Georgia State, Northwestern, and Midlands Tech. After working for the U.S. Treasury, he moved to Columbia where he worked as a trust officer for many years.

In Columbia, he met Betty Celeste Tiller of Hopkins and they married on April 24, 1982. Though he affectionately referred to her as “The Warden,” she was, in truth, his best friend and the great love of his life.

A lifelong learner, Bill had a keen intellect and little aversion to mischief or adventure. He spent many years farming, raising horses, and competing as a team roper in Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association events. He pursued fly fishing, bird hunting, raising bird dogs, and, in particular, shooting. He was a certified firearms instructor, dealer, and avid gun collector.

Bill was fascinated by how things worked, whether small engines, pocket watches, or revolvers, and his curiosity and passion for the intricacies of mechanical systems fueled many of his hobbies. He loved all forms of vehicles and earned a certificate as a small engine mechanic, which helped him in rewiring a ‘57 Jeep and rebuilding a 1980 Harley-Davidson and 1940 Ford truck.

In later years, Bill turned his energy and focus to cooking and took pride in preparing numerous family meals for the staff at Terra. He was thrilled to be invited by Chef Mike Davis to accompany his crew to cook for the James Beard House in New York City. And even more so when snow cancelled flights, which according to Bill’s tenuous account, required that he stay an extra week with guys half his age in a city with restaurants on every corner and bars that never close.

When his health prevented him from cooking, he began learning the guitar and horology. He studied at the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute and collected, repaired, and rebuilt antique pocket watches. But of all his pursuits, his most fervent was reading. His Kindle essentially an appendage, Bill read four or more books every week without exception. His tastes were as broad as his hobbies—from Carl Hiaasen and John Grisham to classic literature, technical manuals, and historical biographies. If any words were ever written about Horatio Nelson, he devoured them.

Equally at home in boots and Chuck Taylor low-tops, and rarely without a Stetson, he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Lower Richland Masonic Lodge, numerous hunting and shooting clubs, and the Palmetto Club.

Bill is survived by his wife of over 43 years; a daughter, Julia Jones Foster (Keller); son, William Emmitt Jones, Jr. (Justin Shore); and two grandchildren, William Cogswell “Wells” Foster and John Rawlinson “Rawlins” Foster, both of whom he adored boundlessly and spoiled gladly. He was predeceased by his parents; twin sister, Belinda Jane Jones; and favorite dog, Huck.

Following a private Committal Rite, the family will hold a reception celebrating his life at The Millstone at Adams Pond, 5301 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 3PM to 5PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Hollins Cancer Institute, or Prisma Health Hospice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.