Markley Lee Jones Jr.

Lee was born on September 2, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Markley Lee Jones, Sr. and Elizabeth Gaston Jones. He grew up in Atlanta with his parents and sister, Betty Jones Atkinson.

His childhood was one full of good times with his sister, friends and neighbors, walking to his elementary school at E Rivers, running a paper route, and sometimes raising chickens and roosters in the backyard. Lee graduated from Northside High School in Atlanta and then went on to graduate from the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He joined the National Guard after graduation and then lived in San Francisco, New York City and Columbia, SC before returning back to Atlanta.

Lee spent many years working in the banking, real estate and packaging industries, but his true passion was being an inventor. In his later years, he focused on inventions to make the roads safer and people safer. Along with his dear friends, John and Matthew, they worked tirelessly on many of these inventions throughout the greater part of his life.

Lee loved to meet new people and see new places. He loved to travel, visiting all over Europe and parts of Asia, but he really wanted to make sure he visited all 50 states. He spent his 60th birthday in North Dakota to finish out this list. Lee did not know a stranger and did not want anyone else to either. He loved people and wanted everyone to love each other as well. Everyone had a nickname and he always remembered their birthdays and special milestones. He was a true “people person.”

Over the past year, he enjoyed making new friends at his home with Sandy at Canterfield and befriending their beloved caregivers. He continued to enjoy taking walks with Sandy, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves, and keeping up with all the news of his family and friends. But of all his people, Sandy was his true soulmate. He cherished her and their life together.

Lee is survived by his long-time partner of over 30 years, Sandy Builder; his sister, Betty Atkinson (R.O.); niece, Clare Payne (Matt); great nephews, James and Harrison Payne; and countless family and friends whom he adored.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Heart Fund www.theheartfund.eu

A memorial service will be Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2 o’clock at First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.