Donald Lee Jones

Donald Lee Jones also known as “Cotton”, born on August 19, 1938, in Tift County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the Southern Oaks Personal Care Home of Tifton. Donald proudly served in the United States Army and later became a well-respected business owner, operating the Jones-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealership in Tifton from 1969 until his retirement in 2001.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Aaron Fraser and Rev. Larry Layfield officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors.

Kyle Jones, Dan Richardson, Kevin Owens, Lee Warren, Monty Copeland and Derrick Jones will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Andon Rhodes. 

He was a graduate of Tifton High School and attended ABAC. Donald was known for his hard work and dedication, both in his career and in his personal life. His yards always showed how hard he worked at keeping them beautiful. He was deeply committed to his family, often cherishing the joy of family gatherings. Donald's loving spirit was accompanied by a smile that could light up a room and a song that filled his heart. He had a particular fondness for flower gardening, traveling, and making countless memories at his mountain home in Blairsville, Georgia.

Donald was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Chula, where for many years he taught the Sunday School Adult 2 class. His devotion to his faith was matched only by the love he held for his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kirby and Jane Jones of Chula; his daughters and son-in-law, Gretchen Jones Bowen of Tifton and Kip and Bart Smith of Chula; his grandchildren, Kody Jones, Kassi and Lee Warren, JaneAnn and Kevin Owens, Conner Smith, Cole Smith, and Sammi Bowen; his great-grandchildren, Andon Rhodes, Cason Rhodes, Asher Owens, and Avarie Owens; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Nancy Jones; his sister, Joann Bryan; as well as his sisters-in-law, Judy Jones and Linda Jones.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jean Goff Jones, with whom he shared sixty wonderful years of marriage until her passing on May 23, 2020, his father, Paul Verner "P.V." Jones; his mother, Josephine "Josie" Lacy Lighfoot Jones; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Nell Jones, Hubert Jones, Hulen Jones, Derris and Patricia Jones; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Ted Stripling, Joyce Richardson and Raymond Richardson; and his brother-in-law, Melvin Bryan.

Donald Lee Jones will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, unwavering dedication to family, and kindness toward all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the love he shared and the lives he touched.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.