William "Captain Bill" Leroy Jones Jr.

An honored Marine, Bill served the country with distinction during the Vietnam War, earning a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Presidential Unit Citation, among other honors. After his tour of duty, Bill returned to Maryland where he worked in the construction industry.

In 1984, Bill met the love of his life, Honey Jones. In 1986, they were married and embarked on a life’s journey together, moving to Marco Island, Florida. Bill, who was an avid fisherman, soon turned his hobby into a thriving fishing charter service. Bill was admired by one and all for his fishing expertise and kind-hearted nature. Many visitors to Marco Island made it an annual event to book a day on the waters with Captain Bill. It gave Captain Bill special joy to teach children how to fish and he made it a point to make sure they always left the boat with a fish in hand.

Bill and Honey also started Make A Memory, a gift and specialty item shop on the island. It was a regular occurrence to see Bill in the store helping Honey or making deliveries. It seemed as if everyone on the island knew and liked Bill. His friends often said that one of Bill’s most endearing qualities was that whenever someone needed help he was there to lend a hand, often without ever being asked. In addition to fishing, Bill also enjoyed visiting Disney with Honey. Bill often joked that it was their home away from home.

Bill is survived by his wife, Honey. He is also survived by his three children, William Jones III, Carole Jones and Sheryll Jones and siblings, Tom Mangum (Jody), Barbara Mangum, Debra Cliser and Sheila Moberly (Richard), and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who love and miss Bill. Brother Teddy Mangum, mother Dorothy Burriss and father William Jones, Sr. predeceased Bill.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Bill’s memory be honored with good thoughts and deeds for others.