Roy L. Jones, 74, of Alum Creek, passed away Sunday February 19, 2006 at CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston, while recovering from surgery for a pacemaker.
He is survived by his wife, Luz Maria; his eldest son, Charles; his son, Alan; his youngest son, Edward; and his daughter, Lyssa Irani; all of whom reside in Southern California/San Diego area.
He was born on May 16, 1931 in Van, WV to the proud parents of Andrew and Elma Jones. He was the second born of five children, Clyde, Shelby, Helen and Hazel. Although extremely difficult at times, he had the fondest memories of growing up in the beautiful hills of this small coal mining town in West Virginia. With his father at his side, he developed a lifelong love for hunting and fishing.
Eventually Roy, like his father, would work in the coal mines. But only briefly before joining the U.S. Navy and going off to boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, company 640, in the year 1951, at the age of 19.
Roy served and fought for our country for over 21 years. A few of his experiences include serving aboard the USS Kidd, where he saw two tours of duty in Korea as a gunners mate on a 5 inch/38 battery which was involved in numerous live fire situations. Peace time found Roy back at school learning about this country’s most destructive weapon, the nuclear weapon. His diligence earned him a place in operation Hardtack, the test series of atomic weapons and devices at the Eniwetok Proving Ground, where he again in school in the early 60’s learning about the next generation of missiles. His new knowledge was put to the test with six tours of duty in the Vietnam conflict. When Roy finally found himself on dry land, he also found himself back in school, but this time he was the teacher. For three years he held the position of Company Commander at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, California. The Navy had a need for Roy’s expertise with weapons up to the very end of his military career while he was assigned to supervise the loading and unloading of weapons and ammunition.
Once retired from the Navy, Roy continued to work hard to make a good life for him and his family. He settled in El Cajon, a nearby suburb of San Diego, and opened a plumbing company, Guarantee Drain Service. Partnered with his son Charles and with assistance from the entire family, the business ran successfully for many years.
He had always dreamed of moving back to his roots in West Virginia. After seeing his children off to a strong start in their lives and with his mother’s declining health, he decided it was time to move back to West Virginia. He lived and cared for his mother until her final days. He remained in Alum Creek and Despite many physical challenges, made the best life for himself in the land he loved the most.
After many years of hard work, Roy can now rest. May God bless and care for him. Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the Alum Creek Independent Baptist Church with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Mid-Farrell Cemetery at Van. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the church. Curry Funeral Home Alum Creek is in care of arrangements.
Ethel V. Snodgrass 86, of Yawkey went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at Thomas Memorial Hospital.