Philip Ray Jones

John 11:25, 26 - Jesus said. . ., "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die."

Phil Jones, 89, husband of Wilma Jones, passed into his eternal rest on Friday, February 16, 2024, after many years of living with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia, and a proud graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, he was the son of the late Charles Alfred Jones and the late Violet Pearl Davis Jones.  He moved to Greenville, SC in January 1963, to attend Bob Jones University.  He received his B.A. degree from BJU, his M.A. from Converse College (now University), and did further graduate work at Clemson University.  He served proudly as a U. S. Marine before attending BJU.  He taught and coached in the Greenville County Schools for 29 years, including Blue Ridge High School, Southside H. S., and Travelers Rest H. S.  He coached many sports, but basketball was his favorite.

Phil loved to run.  He ran in several local races, his favorite being the Paris Mountain Run.  He also ran the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta and the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston for several years.  He took up golf in his later years, never attaining the proficiency he would have liked.  Phil was a member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church and the Disciples Class.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children:  Kelly Wray Morris [Retired Col. Bob], Kimberly Jo Scircle [Todd], and Philip R. Jones, Jr. [Samantha]; eight grandchildren: Robert and Lydia; Hannah, Sarah, and Emily; and Isabelle, Rachel and Simon; and 2 great-grandchildren: Savannah and Charlotte.  He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Edward, and his sister, Carolyn Davis Wells.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Les Oatridge and Les' wife Fran; and by a sister-in-law Betty Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil's honor to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, POB 27033, Greenville SC 29616; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation (online - for funding research for PD); or the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, 207 Mitchell Road, Greenville, SC 29615, on February 24, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation following the service.