William Edward Jones

Tarboro – William Edward Jones passed away peacefully at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital with family by his side on Tuesday January 26, 2021, at the age of 83. He was the son of the late Edward M. Jones and Helen Hardy Silknitter.

William graduated from Omaha South High School in 1956 and retired as a Machinist from Western Electric, after working at Union Pacific Railroad for five years. 

Some of William’s hobbies were boating, fishing, and camping; Member, Nebraska Mineral and Gem Club (collected and displayed minerals, gems, and fossils); restored antique vehicles; Auctioneer; Member, Croatian Club, Omaha, NE; Member, South Omaha Eagles Club, Omaha, NE; going to auctions with his father; car shows; woodworking, making furniture and hand-made wood items. 

He had a beloved pet named Chico many years ago, a chihuahua, and spoke of him fondly and often. In Nebraska he played saxophone in a dance band during and after high school and played the accordion.  He was a SOB (South Omaha Boy; a term given to all South Omaha cronies).They regularly met for coffee and breakfast, and often got together for ethnic festivals, polka days, picnics, and other social events.

William “Bill” “Sonny” Jones was preceded in death by his parents Edward M. Jones and Helen Hardy Silknitter; and brother, Edward J. Jones. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 28 years, Shirley Lewis Jones, his sister Betty J. Marlenee, his brother David L. Jones and Marty, his children Carol Cleaver and Kari, William E. Jones, Jr. and Michele, James Jones and Susan, Susan Krula and Howard, all of Omaha, Nebraska; stepsons Linwood Jones and his wife Sandra, Kenneth Jones and his wife Lisa in North Carolina, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins in Nebraska, and 5 grandchildren, including Loghan Katherine-Lee, and 3 great-grandchildren in North Carolina.

Visitation will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home from 11:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturday, January 30, 2021 followed by a graveside service at 12:30PM in Macclesfield Cemetery with Pastor Steve Kirkland officiating.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William Edward Jones to Tarboro Church of Christ, 215 Daniels Street, Tarboro, NC 27886.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle Funeral Home, Inc. of Tarboro. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com.

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