Harold Stanley Jones, Sr., 74 of Clinton, Maryland.

"A LIFE WELL-LIVED"

On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, with his family close by, our Heavenly Father lifted Harold Stanley Jones, Sr., up from his bed of affliction and gently transitioned him to his heavenly home to be with God.

Harold Stanley, affectionately called "Buddy" by his childhood friends, "Dad or Daddy" by his devoted wife Liz, and "Pops or Poppa" by his children was born in Kinston, North Carolina on May 24, 1947.  The oldest son of Henry and Julia Mae Jones, Harold Stanley did not enter in this world alone as he and his twin sister Carol Manley were born five minutes apart!  Harold attended Carter G. Woodson Elementary School in Richlands, North Carolina and graduated from Georgetown High School in Jacksonville NC, in May 1965.

Harold spent most of his childhood playing and growing up in the Dreadnaught community of Richlands surrounded in love by his maternal grandfather, mom and dad, siblings, and many caring adults and cousins.   A quiet leader from the day he was born, Harold Stanley was the ultimate "Big Brother," who from an early age, took on the responsibilities of helping to financially support his family.  As a young boy, Buddy worked at Trott Furniture Store in Richlands sweeping the floors, helping customers, and working other odd jobs.  Buddy was such a hard and dependable worker that he and the store's owner former Mayor of Richlands, Marvin Trott, became close and dear friends, and remained friends for many years until Marvin's death in 2011.

After graduation from high school, Buddy worked for a short time at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Later, he served as an apprentice under the leadership of his Uncle Melvin Saunders in Kinston, North Carolina where he learned and became an expert carpet installer.

On October 30, 1968, Harold enlisted into the United States Army where he served his country as a Petroleum Storage Specialist (E-4) during the Vietnam War.  A highly decorated and dedicated soldier, Harold received many medals and commendations for his military service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Campaign Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Always, willing to do his part to help his family, Harold used a portion of his earnings as a soldier to help install a bathroom in the family home and later purchased the first family car.

Harold served active duty until August 12, 1971.  After, serving active duty he relocated to Washington, D.C. in May of 1972.  Soon after his arrival in the Nation's Capital, he was employed with Shields Carpet Company. While, mastering the carpet installation business for 37 years, he decided to retire in 2009.

In 1973, Harold met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Davis "Liz", of Newburg, Maryland.   On May 29, 1975, the two United in Marriage and God blessed their Union with four beautiful children, Lolita, Velveeta, Harlisha and Harold Jr.  A loving devoted husband and father Harold's pride and joy was his family.

On March 1, 1976, Harold joined the U.S. Army Reserve (DC National Guard).  Where he served for a total of 31 years active duty and reserve.  Harold retired May 24, 2007, with an honorable discharge and rank of Sergeant E-7.

Dad was a dedicated, hardworking, family man and provider who wanted nothing but the best for his family. He made sure that his family wanted for nothing.  Dad lived his life to the fullest and took great pleasure in the simple things of life.  He spent most of his enjoyable times traveling with his family, he loved driving and being in the kitchen with Liz, baking and cooking his favorite dishes.  Also, he enjoyed playing cards.

Harold was an avid sports fan who loved watching football, basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis or just relaxing to a good old-time western movie.  A sharp and classy dresser, Harold also loved the finer things in life; nice suits, hats or a brand new car or truck.

In addition to being a great family man, Harold was known in the family as also having one of the sharpest minds and excellent memory.  He possessed a wealth of knowledge and information about the family including his grandparents, cousins, and other relatives, especially on his father's side of the family.  Harold Stanley could sit for hours and tell stories about his ancestors or people in Jacksonville or Richlands that he grew up or went to high school, with that most folks have long forgotten.

Harold was an active member of the Georgetown High School Alumni Association, Metropolitan DC Area Chapter.  He was also an active member of VFW Post 9376 in Clinton, Maryland and his Neighborhood Watch group.

Harold was a peaceful and gentle soul with a loving and caring spirit who gave so much of himself to this world and asked for nothing in return.  In his final days, Harold never once complained of his circumstances.  Even unto the very end, Harold Stanley continued to be upbeat and positive and a source of great strength, peace and comfort to his family as he lifted the hearts and spirits of everyone around him.

"A beautiful life that came to an end,

He died as he lived, everyone's friend,

In our hearts a memory will always be kept,

of one we loved and will never forget "

Harold Stanley was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Lolita M. Davis; his parents Henry and Julia Mae Jones; his sisters Barbara J. Moore and Hannah S. Smith; and his brother Lenwood E. Saunders.  To continue his lifelong love and affection, he is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Elizabeth A. Jones; daughters Velveeta C. Johnson (James) and Harlisha S. Jones; son Harold Stanley Jones Jr.  In addition, his legacy continues on through 3 grandchildren, Terrell D. Davis, James T. and Trevor K. Johnson; and 3 great-grandchildren, Asyah Olds, Turan and Tusaunt Davis.  His brothers Henry Jones, Jr. (Audrey), Leon R. Jones (Barbara),  John E. Jones, Sr. (Sandra), and Randy K. Jones; his sisters Della Davis (Ernest), Carol Jones-Ali, and Evelyn N. Randall (Donnie); his aunts, Ester Jones and Irene Williamson; sister- in- laws Celestine Dyson, Bertha Chisley, and Omia Chisley; brother-in-laws James H. Brown, Larry Moore and James Butler; his dear friend Robert Barnes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

Viewing, 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream