Donald Wayne Jones, 75, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, December 29, 2019. Born on October 23, 1944 in Princeton, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Harold Sam and Lillian (Creekmur) Jones.
Once named by The Tennessean as The Most Powerful Man in Metropolitan Davidson County Government, Don was a respected and well-loved legal advisor to the city of Nashville for over 43 years. He graduated from Caldwell County High School in 1963 and went to Georgetown College. He earned his undergraduate degree from Murray State University, then went on to Tulane Law School on a full scholarship, graduating in 1970. He practiced law privately in Kentucky until 1977 when he became Director of Law in Nashville under Mayor Richard Fulton. Don was then a partner in the law firm of Dearborn and Ewing before returning to work for The Metro Government as Attorney to the Metro Council until he retired in 2016. Don also enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor at Belmont University and Nashville School of Law where he was beloved by his students. He served on The Belmont University Board of Trustees for six years.
Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed his golf group at Hillwood Country Club, where he twice served as president, and Temple Hills Country Club where he golfed in his later years. He was also a gifted musician, and he never passed up the opportunity to watch his three daughters play sports and perform musically. He later enjoyed watching his seven wonderful grandchildren do these same activities.
He was very proud to serve as a member of the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks. He joined as soon as he was eligible at age twenty-one. Upon his graduation from Tulane, he assumed a leadership role in Princeton Lodge 1115. Don continued to hold many leadership positions with the order of Elks, including being elected president of the Kentucky Elk Association in 1983.
Don was an active and faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee for 42 years. He took great pride in teaching his Sunday School Class, spending days preparing his lessons. Over the years he taught the Royal Ambassadors, a boys’ mission study, he sang in the choir, served as a deacon, deacon chairman, church treasurer, and on many committees.
Don is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Sue McConnell Jones; along with three daughters; Suzanne Dillard of Nashville, Tennessee; Jennifer Bennett of Mill Valley, California; and Donna Greek of Nashville, Tennessee. Don truly valued his relationship with Donna’s husband James and loved him very much. He was blessed with seven grandchildren; Ashton Dillard, Addie Grace Dillard, William Bennett, Oliver Bennett, Henry Donald Bennett, Lofton Greek, and John Thomas Greek. He is also survived by his brother Sam Jones (Linda Kay) of Princeton, Kentucky, and preceded in death by his sister Judy Jones Smith.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, January 1, from 5:00-7:00pm, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Blvd. There will be a memorial service on Thursday, January 2 at 1:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Betty Wiseman Mission Fund at Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212. Please indicate that your contribution is in memory of Donald W. Jones.
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Catherine Stuart Vrettos
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was an incredible man, husband, father, and grandfather. Your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Schrage
I am so sorry for your loss Donna and family. My heart goes out to you.
Rose
A man of substance. And, a great and forgiving heart. And, a fantastic father and husband
Marilyn Adams Gibson
So sorry for your loss sue and all the family. I’m glad to have known him.
Micheal Stewart
Very sorry for your loss. Peace be with all family and friends.
Sharron Doyle (and family)
Prayers for your sweet family and love to each of you. Thinking of you!
Sandra Carter
Sue, my heart and prayers are with you & your dear family. I know Don was your best friend & well respected by all that knew him. I pray for your strength & comfort.
Beth Briggs
Jennifer, I’m do sorry for your loss. I always enjoy seeing pictures of your incredibly close and lovely family together. Your father could be nothing other than immensely proud of the tight family bonds that he forged. Sending you hugs.
Jo Justian
Dear Sue, Suzanne, Jennifer and Donna…so sorry for your loss. My prayers are going up for you all to our Lord.
Susan Campbell
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Loved he and Sue for a long time as a welcome guest at the 1963 class reunions with my husband Joe.
Paula Blackwell
Jennifer & family,
I am so sorry to hear of your wonderful Dad’s passing. He was always so supportive and encouraging to all of us at the Furman games. Continued prayers for each of you.
KAREN Cash Blackburn
Dear family of Don Jones, please accept my deepest sympathies following the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. May cherished memories hold near to your heart in this time of loss. I love you, Sue. My first Director of Nursing, And a nursing instructor,too.
Gaylr
Sue we are so sorry for the loss of Don and your love one. Our Thoughts and prayers goes out to you all. Gayle and Richard Breece
David Wallace
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. I have many fond memories of growing up in Princeton with all of the Jones side of the family.
David Wallace
David Hay
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you Jen and the family.
Natalie Cleckley Jackson
I am sadden to hear of the passing of your father. I fondly remember how nice and generous (inviting the team to his home for dinner) he was. Please accept my heartfelt condolence.
Vic Lineweaver
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.
God Bless
Jody Alexiou
Dear Jennifer, Heartfelt condolences and sympathies for
your entire family on the passing of your dad. He is now Home. As a believer, you know it’s goodbye for now, but that you will be reunited with your dad one day! You have that Hope and Assurance through our Lord Jesus Christ. May you feel comforted in that truth.
Jody Alexiou