Cleveland Jones

Cleveland “Smiley” Jones was born on August 27, 1938 in Marango County Alabama with sports genes in his blood. While in Alabama he picked cotton, milked cows, took care of the farm animals and ate as many berries off the bushes as he could get. After coming to San Diego CA his first sports conquest was winning a Marbles Championship. He then moved on to football, baseball and basketball. In his later years he played racquetball and bowled. He played football at San Diego High, San Diego City College and Oregon University. He was a final cut from the Dallas Cowboys in 1961 but left his mark with their Hall of Fame Coach Tom Landry. After his time with the Cowboys he entered the military and played football for the US Marine Corp. He was known to be a phenomenal football player and was respected by his teammates and coaches for his athletic ability. He continued to be involved in sports both as a spectator and participant until he was struck down by multiple strokes in August of 2015.

The happiest moment of his life came in 1965 when his son, Cleveland Jones Jr was born. Cleveland was the joy of his life and he loved him dearly.

After leaving the professional sports arena he spent the remainder of his life helping children and families. He worked for the Orange County Community Action Council getting donations for events. The rest of his career was spent working for the Orange County Probation Department. While working in the juvenile facilities he used his sports skills to teach the youth life skills. He was known as firm but fair and was highly respected by the youth and his coworkers. He won the hearts of many as he was always friendly and had a smile on his face. After his retirement from the Probation Dept he continued to help others by volunteering with various organizations. He was often seen driving his truck loaded to the top with donated furniture that he was taking to those in need or Christmas gifts he was taking to military families. He accepted all human beings regardless of background, race or life style.

Smiley was loved by all who knew him and will be missed.

Cleveland “Smiley” Jones was proceeded in death by his father Clifford Jones, step mother Easter Mae Jones, stepfather John Henry McKennie, sisters Betty Wilson and Queen Ester Johnson, brother Clifford Jones Jr, first wife Dolly Jones and his great niece Tamiko Wilson

He is survived by his beloved mother Rosa Mckennie, son Cleveland Jones Jr, daughter in law Angie Thangaratnam Jones, step grandchildren Sarah Hasheem and Dylan Fernando, wife Marilyn Jones, nieces Michelle Moore, Alice Simmons, Laurie Simmons, Ruthie Simmons, Sarah Reese, nephews Melvin Thornton, Terry Wilson, Jessie Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Fredrick Johnson, Roy Simmons, Adam Reese and a host of aunts, uncles, great and great great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA.