Bobby Earl Jones - age 86 of Goodlettsville, TN died peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness on Sunday morning April 21, 2013. Preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Elizabeth Stephens Jones; brothers, Olin, Noel and Paul Jones.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Brown Jones; four daughters, Angela (Bruce) Bennett, Martha (Tad) Jenkins, Mary (Guy) Johns, Melisa (Bedford Combs) Jones; three grandchildren, Austin Bennett, Zach Jenkins, Madison Johns; several nieces and nephews.
Bobby was born Monday, October 10, 1927 in Goodlettsville, attended Goodlettsville High School followed by tours in both the United States Marines and the United States Army during and at the conclusion of World War II, spending significant time in Okinawa, Japan. An avid and accomplished basketball player, he was part of a military team, followed by playing for Middle Tennessee State University, where he attended college. Bobby married his beloved Betty Brown in 1953 and they raised their family in Goodlettsville.
During a career as a manufactured furniture sales representative, Bobby was elected City Commissioner in Goodlettsville in 1978. He was elected Mayor of Goodlettsville in 1976 and served as the city’s second longest serving mayor until his retirement in 2006. As mayor, Bobby made sure that he was highly accessible to his constituents and he consistently maintained the value “the city comes first,” resulting in tremendous support during his time in office. During his tenure as commissioner/mayor, Goodlettsville’s impressive City Hall, state of the art Fire Hall and new Public Works Complex were all built and dedicated. The Interpretation/Welcome Center at Moss-Wright Park was built and dedicated and the park was significantly expanded. The city’s infrastructure, boundaries, economic capabilities and opportunities and population all significantly expanded during his capable and visionary leadership. October 13, 2006 was declared as "Bobby Jones Day" in Goodlettsville.
Bobby’s stewardship of his community, his love of family, fatherhood, grandfatherhood, great wit and humor will bless all who knew him as we go forth missing him greatly.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 27, 2013 with Pastor Tim Stutler officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Goodlettsville Fire Department Children's Program.
Family and friends will gather to remember Bobby at a visitation Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 and Saturday from 10:00 until 12:00 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1150 South Dickerson Rd. Goodlettsville, TN 37072
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1