Eli Bailey Jones Jr.

Eli Bailey Jones, Jr. of Tazewell, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in the comfort of his home. Eli was born in the hills of Pisgah on March 9, 1939. Eli was a graduate of Tazewell High School (Class of ’57) and Concord College with a degree in Education. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959 where he was stationed in Germany. Eli had a zest for learning and served as a teacher. He then went on to work as a special agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C. Eli believed in people, and he believed in opportunity for all. In this capacity, he served as Executive Director for Clinch Valley Community Action for 35 years. Eli was appointed to the Board of the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries by then Governor Charles Robb and reappointed by Governor Gerald Baliles. He served as both a member and Chairman during his tenure. An active community leader, Eli served in numerous capacities, including: Board of Directors, Virginia Association of Community Action Agencies; Vice Chairman, Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Authority; Member, Southwest Virginia Health Authority; and many other states, regional and local boards. Over the years, he was a voice for many who did not have one. Eli was a faithful member of Bundy’s Chapel in Witten Valley. Eli was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed engaging in friendly political debate. Eli loved Tazewell County and was proud of his Appalachian heritage. Eli was preceded in death by his parents Eli and Trula Jones and brothers, Sam Jones and Jay Jones. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jo Jones; daughter Jennifer Jones Powell (Bob); son Joseph Alex Jones (Jenn); brother, Larry Jones; grandchildren, Sophia Gray Jones, William Bailey Jones and Robbie Powell; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Jones, Eunice Jones and Edie Keenon (Rodney). A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Pisgah United Methodist Church, where Eli attended during his youth. A time of remembrance and refreshments will be held following the memorial service at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Barns-Beavers VFW Post #7136 prior to the time of remembrance. Eli’s memory may be honored with a gift to The Nature Conservancy (Nature Conservancy; Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA) or with flowers. The family wishes to express gratitude to those who cared for Eli in the final stages of his life including Elsie, Jan and Sue, Chad, the VA Home Based Primary Care – Salem/Wytheville and Legacy Hospice. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is serving the family of Mr. Jones and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Eli Bailey Jones Jr.

March 9, 1939 - October 16, 2018