Obituary: William Lewis “Billy” Jones
Mr. William Lewis “Billy” Jones, age 86, passed away Sunday evening, August 30, 2026, at Greendale Forest Nursing Center following a period of declining health.
A native and lifelong resident of Greene County, Billy was born November 6, 1939, the second son of Joseph Edwin Jones and Virginia Gay Jones. Raised in an eastern North Carolina agricultural family, a deep love of the soil was engrained upon him at an early age. He graduated from the former Maury School and completed an associate degree at Campbell College (now Campbell University). Following college, Billy returned to Greene County to begin a thriving career as a farmer—a legacy that grew to encompass his sons and grandchildren.
Dedicated to his community and agriculture, Billy served for many years on the Greene County Farm Bureau Board and the Pitt & Greene Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. He also gave countless hours of service to Castoria Fire and Rescue and was a member of the Greene County Wildlife Club.
Billy and his devoted wife, Zellie, welcomed four children into their family. They cherished weekends spent at White Lake and later at their home on the North Carolina coast. Billy and Zellie were happiest when surrounded by family and friends, especially during seasons of cooking fish stews and frying herring. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sharing a dance with his dear wife. A lifetime member of Mt. Herman church, Billy served for many years as the Sunday School Superintendent alongside various other church capacities.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 66 years, Zellie Grace Parris Jones; daughter, Dorise Jones Humphrey (Buddy); sons, Roger Jones (Stephanie) and Steven Jones (Bunny); daughter-in-law, Cathy T. Jones; grandchildren, Katie Elizabeth Gravatt (David), Garrett Martin Jones (Katlyn), Kayla Jones Lancaster (Vann), Tucker Jones (Leeza), Chrislyn J. King (Christopher), Chase Jones (Olivia), Chelsey Jones Kelley (Matt), and Clayton Jones (Megan); great-grandchildren, Holland Jones, Grayson Jones, Collins Lancaster, Caison Lancaster, Annie Gravatt, and three on the way; brother, Russ Jones; niece, Deegie Andrews (Ken); and many special friends.
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by a son, William Martin Jones; and a brother, Joe Jones.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, September 4th, at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 1:50 PM and other times at 700 Jonestown Road (the family barn of Roger Jones).
Mr. Jones will lie-in-repose during normal business hours on Wednesday and Thursday at the funeral home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to Mt. Herman Church, PO Box 239, Maury, NC 28554.
Online condolences at www.taylor-tyson.com
