Jones Lee Ferrell, 81, of Huntsville, AL passed away on January 17, 2021. Jones was born to William “Goebel” and Stella Mae Ferrell on February 16, 1939. He was born in Hustonville, Kentucky and graduated from Hustonville High School in 1957. While attending, he played basketball and plotted pranks. His favorite teachers allowed him to slip out the window during class. His favorite classmates were those that would partake in fun with him. His most notable fun was harassing the town cops. He enjoyed speeding past them to give them a reason to chase after him. His favorite person in the world to get worked up, was his Aunt Prude. His friends were willing to aid in his efforts, including his lifelong friend Chubby Baird. They cyphoned her gasoline, threw rocks on her metal roof at night, and once covered her door handles in cow manure. They always laid in the ditch to watch her reaction. It was the highlight of his younger days and he had hysterical stories regarding it. He loved her dearly, but said she was so fun to make mad.
After high school, Jones joined the Army/National Guard. He peeled potatoes often, as his love for adventure and rule breaking continued. He became friends with the right people which allowed him untypical freedoms. Loaning your car out, gained some advantage. He had a way with people that is hard to describe. He moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1964. He began racing dirt track in Moulton, AL. His new found love of racing, led him to Huntsville Speedway and Nascar. He met amazing people and created numerous memories. He enjoyed talking about racing and showed his racing scrapbooks to anyone interested. He sold Hoosier racing tires, when he stopped being a racecar driver at Huntsville Speedway. He had a nephew, Chip Dennis, that he helped get started racing. He also had a brother-in-law, Dan Beddingfield, that raced late models. Jones became a track official/flagman. His reason for selling racing tires and flagging was merely to help Dan and Chip cheat/win. This was a false rumor we have laughed about for years. His passion lived through the two of them and he praised himself on being a good teacher.
Jones sold lumber for Southern Sash until he started selling used cars in the 1970’s. He in-house financed vehicles for half of Huntsville. Some people paid, but lots didn’t. There is enough material from his car lot adventures to put any reality show to shame. He took every kid in the family to the car auctions at some point. Everyone got to drive a car home and being old enough to drive wasn’t a requirement. A few of us sat on phone books to be tall enough to see out the windshield. Every item he owned was for sale for the right price. Negotiations and deals were his way of life.
Jones had so many things he was passionate about. He loved tomatoes, corn, bologna, rat cheese, coca cola, and snacks. He loved playing any competitive game and he didn’t lose often. He loved making bets and having fun. He had ridiculously hilarious stories of all his adventures in life. People would sit for hours and listen to them. He had a heart of gold and would give a stranger his last dollar.
Jones loved his family immensely. He is preceded in death by His parents (Goebel and Stella Ferrell), His brother (Billy Ferrell), and daughter (Kelle Susanne Ferrell). He is survived by two sisters, Imogene Cole and Louise Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Beddingfield Ferrell, of fifty years. His greatest joys in life were his daughters. His love for them was strong, but then he had grandchildren. He loved them the most. He attended every ball game possible and embarrassed the grandkids yelling at their events. They often joked he needed a muzzle. Each child got candy and money when he came. He is survived by his daughters Renee (Scott) Sowards, Nita (Amos) Shultz, Starlyn (Chris) McCollum, and Page (Kevin) Rose. He is survived by his nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces/nephews.
Jones Lee was the best father/grandfather any child could hope for. He spent countless hours with his kids/others teaching them to water ski, he kept the jet skis/four wheelers full of gas, washed/gassed up our vehicles, and even cranked our cars on cold days. He gave them Jones Lee 101 teaching experiences. This included driving/turn signal lessons, how to wash a car properly (with free criticism included), and how to hide your money in case one were to get robbed. He aggravated every one of his children/grandchildren as often as he could. He found humor in the various ways he could scare/harass them. He was known to take loved ones to the store and allow them to fill a bag with any candy they wanted. He earned the name “Candy” Man for this reason. He was the parent you were not allowed to ask permission to do things. Most importantly, Jones taught his children to respect others/themselves, pushed them to succeed, and held their hands when they needed their hands to be held. He was an amazing advice giver and alway available when needed. More than anything, he was their entertainment their entire lives.
Jones was spoiled by everyone that loved him. He was a creature of habit and liked everything a particular way. He was a “tad” bit high maintenance, but no one questioned not doing what he asked. You could keep him busy for hours, if he had an Enquirer in hand, TRUMP/conspiracy on the television, or some favorite unhealthy snacks .God gave him time to say what needed to be said to loved ones and also to say what needed to be said to HIM. He lived an extraordinary life and was a truly unique person. He will be missed by many and loved always by most.
You may visit with the family on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. There will be a private Graveside Service for Jones at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please leave fond memories and condolences for the entire Ferrell family at www.valhallafunerals.com.
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