Tom Nathan Jones

August 28, 1927 — June 3, 2018

“God has smiled on me, He has set me free”

Tom Nathan Jones was born into this life on August 28, 1927, to Johnny Jones and Willetta Pettus Jones in Okolona, Arkansas. He professed his hope in Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Okolona and he attended until his health declined. He attended Simmons High School and later left Okolona for better opportunities.

On October 9, 1948 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Sorrells and to his union eleven children were born. He was a loving father and family was everything to him. He was a man of many fields and talents. Throughout his life he worked for a shipyard in Seattle, Washington, General Motors in Flint, Michigan, Gurdon Plywood Plant, Missouri Pacific Railroad and he excelled at being a great cattleman.

He was often called “Pappy” or “Shug” by close friends and family. By all accounts he was a “jack of all trades”, but his passion was farming. He used his skilled hands to keep his farm in top-notch condition. He was a true outdoorsman and when not working on the farm, he busied himself hunting. He served as President of the Okolona Hunting Club and was often called upon for his wisdom and knowledge. Tom was a very friendly man; though small in stature he had a big heart. He “meant what he said” and “said what he meant.” His natural wit and humor could never be duplicated.

His passing leaves a great void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents; three children, David Jones, Raymond Jones, and Cynthia Smith; four siblings, Emma Jean Harrington, John Charles Jones, Henry Pettus and Bobby Joe Jones; two grandchildren, Patricia Jones and Vanessa Jones Harrington.

Though he is no longer with us in body, and his irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed. He leaves his wife: Elizabeth; his children, Joe (Floria) Jones of Rockford, Paul Jones of Okolona, Helen (Bill) Gossett of Okolona, Linda Jones of Arkadelphia, Patricia McGhee of Arkadelphia, Charles Jones of Okolona, Nathan Jones of Gurdon, Kerry (Patricia) Jones of Gurdon, Lititia Wesley of Arkadelphia, and Toma (O’dray) Anderson of Arkadelphia; thirty five grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be shared on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., pastor and Rev. John Hill, eulogist. Interment will be at First Baptist Cemetery in Okolona, Arkansas.

John 14:1-6 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." 5Thomas said to him, "LORD, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Visitation

Friday, June 8, 2018

12:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

Williams Funeral Home

1517 Caddo St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

1600 Caddo St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923