Mell Walker Jones passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. Born on August 8, 1946, in Jersey, GA to the late Jack and Beverly (Shore) Jones, Mell spent his formative years in Walton County before moving and ultimately graduating from Pike County High School. After high school he pursued his higher education aspirations at Berry College, where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics in 1968; he would also obtain his Master’s in Education from Georgia Southern University in 1988. After graduating Berry College, Mell enlisted in the Georgia National Guard where he served with distinction. In the early 1970s, he relocated to Reidsville, where he established a construction business. Notably, his company assisted in the building the IGA shopping center (now the Tattnall Governmental Complex). Seeking to fulfill his desire to educate others, Mell decided to change careers so that he could contribute by teaching at Georgia State Prison as an instructor and officer. His love of teaching would later lead him to Tattnall County High School, where he would teach thousands of students over the years. Toward the end of his career, he would instruct at Eastman Youth Detention Center, until he retired.
In retirement, Mell had more time to pursue his passions, which included hunting, fishing, and carpentry. He was an expert outdoorsman and earned the nickname “snake wrangler” among many that knew him. Mell’s talents in carpentry would be expressed in various projects, perhaps most notable being the mantle in his home, a cherished reminder of his talent and dedication to craftsmanship. However, Mell’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, particularly his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pop-Pop.” He demonstrated his love through smoking meats and grilling for family and close friends. A man that gave so much to so many, would often end a long day by enjoying a good cigar. Mell will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, and his years of selfless devotion to trying to make the world a better place. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish a lifetime of precious memories is his wife, Jeannine Jones; three sons, Russ (Karen) Jones of Montgomery AL, Chad (Jessica) Hillman of Martinez, and Matt (Elizabeth) Hillman of Reidsville; three sisters, Anita Rogers Bainton, Phyllis Jones Trudeu, and Jane Jones Gross; seven grandchildren, Bryce, Brantly, Brynn, Brody, Embree, Tripp Hillman, and Carson (Maggie Ray) Sprayberry; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also survive.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday May 7, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday May 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial with Rev. Jeffrey Barnard officiating. Services will conclude at the chapel.
Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Jones family.