More detail on this person: David Ellis Jones,
age 73, passed from this world to be with the
Heavenly Father January 27th after a courageous
battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS).
Son of the late Leonard and Dorothy Jones of
Bellevue, Ohio. David was a graduate of Kent State
University and proudly served his country as a
UH-1 helicopter pilot (Chief Warrant Officer 2)
with the United States Army's 227th Aviation
Division, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile) in the Vietnam war where he
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for
action in July 1968. Jones was further awarded the
Bronze Star, Air Medal and the Purple Heart by the
end of his tour.
Returning to the States, he became a flight
instructor for rotor aircraft at Hunter Army
Airfield in Savannah, Georgia until honorably
leaving the service. Jones married his wife Missy
in 1970 then moved to Mount Pleasant, North
Carolina. Jones spent almost two decades flying
for the Barfly Company, then Duke Power Company
as part of a high-tension line and right-of-way
inspection team. His work also led him to fly
Elizabeth Taylor to and from the World 600
NASCAR race won by Richard Petty in 1977.
Retiring from flying, Jones fought floods, snakes
and yellow jackets to open The Golf Club, a public
driving range in Concord in 1993, catering to his
passionate love of the sport. Jones retired after
thirteen years.
David Jones was a brave soldier, proud American,
father and grandfather, devoted husband and
strength of his family. He lived life on his terms
and will be remembered for his smile, practical
jokes and his ability to repair almost anything.
We are proud to have known you and you have
made us all better for being part of your life.
The family will have a private service at the
Salisbury National Cemetery in his honor. In lieu
of flowers you may make a contribution in his name
to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Ln,
Kannapolis, NC 28081 or the North Carolina
Chapter of the ALS Association, 4 N Blount St
#200, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Burial information: Salisbury National Cemetery
This information was last updated 02/02/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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