November 29, 1928 - December 2, 2025
Bradenton, Florida - Charles Lee Jones (Charlie). Passed away December 2, 2025. Charlie was born in Fairfield, Florida to Thomas Claude Jones and Emma Miriam (Youngue) Jones on November 29, 1928. The family moved to Bradenton in 1931.
Charlie had a 20-mile bicycle paper route on Old Loop Road and Palma Sola. He worked for Holmes Construction Company.
Charlie, Hugh, and Jean Holmes enjoyed reminiscing. Charlie said that he earned more money spearfishing off of Anna Maria City Pier than all of his other jobs combined. Charlie graduated from Manatee High School in 1948 and was named "Outstanding Senior."
He was in the first class to be inducted into the "Manatee High School Athletic Hall of Honor" as the first individual State Champion ever at Manatee High School. Charlie attended the University of Florida on a full scholarship for both track and football. He later chose to focus on track. It was at UF that he met a cute Gator cheerleader, Bette Jean White. They were married in 1951 in Bradenton, Florida.
In 1953, Charlie graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and was designated an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Charlie went on to serve 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1975 with rank of Colonel. Col. Jones served all over the world including Korea, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and Vietnam, where he commanded two artillery battalions. He later served at the Pentagon. After his military retirement, Charlie and Bette started Jones' Wholesale Nursery on Old Loop Road in Palma Sola.
They started it in their backyard, and it grew to 68 acres. After retiring for the second time, Charlie and Bette traveled extensively. They were very adventurous. In fact, that traveled on the last "Oriental Express" across Mongolia. Charlie is survived by his wife of 74 years, Bette Jean, their four children: Melinda (Eric Brown), Charles Lee Jones, Jr. "Casey" (Kathy), Jennifer Jones, Cheryl (Kenny Hunt); his brother, Edward Cass Jones; numerous nieces and nephews; 23 grandchildren; 68 great grandchildren; and 4 great, great grandchildren…95 grandchildren in all…so far! He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Henry Claude Jones, Arthur Clark Jones, and his sister, Miriam Travis. Charlie died as he lived-always surrounded by family and friends that loved him and those whose lives he blessed and touched. He passed peacefully at home. He had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ instilled by his faithful mother that was evidenced throughout his life of selfless service. A service for Charlie will be held at 2 PM on Monday December 8, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3400 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL. 34210.
His burial will follow with military honors at Palma Sola Cemetery, 8604 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL. 34209. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
