Dr. Howard “Poppy” Jones

Dr. Howard “Poppy” Jones, age 81, from Northport, Alabama, passed away on March 3 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. His memorial service will be at Sunset Funeral Home in Northport on Sunday, March 13, at 2 PM, following a visitation beginning at 12:30 PM. Bro. Ken Spencer, will preside, and former student, close family friend, and colleague, Donald Rakestraw, will recall precious memories.

Howard was preceded in death by his Wife, MaryAnn Jones, their son, Howard Jones III and his parents Howard Anderson and Minnie Louise Jones.

Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Ann Brown of Attalla, Alabama, and Sharise Lynn Prentice of Northport, three grandchildren: Timothy Lee Skelton of Northport, Ashley Brown of Gadsden, Alabama and Lauren Ryan Prentice of Northport; and two great grandchildren: Annie Elizabeth, Lileigh-Ann James Skelton of Northport, and brother Robert Dean Jones (Ruth) two nephews, Bobby and Ryan Jones of Portage, Indiana

Howard’s life was dedicated to three things: family, history, and baseball. His family always came first.

Second only to his family was Howard’s love for the study of history. For a few years after graduating from Indiana University, he taught high school history in Gary, Indiana. Soon, however, with great industry on his part and sacrifices on his family’s, he earned a Ph.D. from his alma mater. This eventually led to a distinguished career of almost four decades at the University of Alabama, where he was a University Research Professor in the field of U.S. Foreign Relations. There he became one of the most productive members in the history of his department, publishing more than a dozen books-- some of which were prize winners, book-club selections, or best sellers-- that spanned the whole of the nation’s history. Television appearances, sales of movie rights, and even a meeting with the President of the United States also testified to the popularity and the importance of his works. At the same time, he shared his love for his subject with generations of admiring and grateful students at the university, some of whom went on to follow in his footsteps.

From boyhood, baseball was close to Howard’s heart. Anyone who knew him had to be aware of his passion for the Atlanta Braves, but even many who knew him well were unaware of his own prowess at the sport. As a young man, he played collegiate baseball, pitching for the Indiana Hoosiers. In later life, he played softball on a faculty team until he was almost 60. It was characteristic of his innate humility that few knew what a superb athlete this devoted family man, distinguished scholar, and admirable human being was. Howard was a kind, gentle, and modest man that will be missed by all who knew him.

Honorary pallbearers are the staff at Hospice of West Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions In Howards name to Hospice of West Alabama.

Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve theJones family during their time of bereavement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com