William "Buddy" Jones

Asbury – William W. “Buddy” Jones passed away at the age of 92 on January 29, 2025 at his home in western Craven County.

A native of Craven County he lived in the Ft. Barnwell community for over 75 years, Buddy was born on April 23, 1932 to Duffy and Mable Jones. Raised on a farm, he worked tirelessly with his parents and siblings. Buddy enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War conflict. He served two years before he was honorably discharged.

After returning to the states Buddy enrolled at Danville Community College where he received a degree in electronics. While attending college he met his future wife Kitty Ann Merricks. They were married six months later on August 11, 1956.

Buddy worked for Sears as a technician and service manager for 31 years and operated his own television repair shop for over 60 years. He was known as the TV man to many people around eastern North Carolina. In 2010 Buddy and Kitty purchased a farm in the Asbury community. Returning to his farming heritage he began raising chickens and tending a garden. He also was a helper to his grandson Jason’s farming operation where he assisted with any need that arose but he spent most of his free time keeping several acres of yards maintained. Two of his favorite past times were watching Carolina Tarheel Basketball games and enjoying a meal at Famous.

Buddy served his community as a Trustee of the Cove City – Craven County Public Library, a Gideon, member of the Woodman of the World Ft. Barnwell Chapter 1353 and a 60 year member of the Ionic Lodge No. 583 A.F. & A.M and member of the New Bern Scottish Rite.

A committed follower of Jesus Christ, he served for more than 50 years at Ft. Barnwell Missionary Baptist Church as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher / Director, Royal Ambassador Leader, and choir member. He also served as moderator and on various committees with the Atlantic Baptist Association of North Carolina. In recent years he worshipped at Bethany Christian Church of Jasper.

Buddy was preceded in death by his brother, Milton Jones; his sisters Della Tilghman and Mable Lee Jenkins; his infant granddaughter Hannah Blake Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Kitty Ann Jones, his son Bruce Lane Jones and wife Carolyn, his grandsons, County Commissioner Jason Jones and wife Jennifer, Bryan Jones and wife Jaclyn, and his granddaughter, Caroline Conner and husband Amos. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Emily Jones, Britton Jones, Beckham Jones, and Hillary Jones, his brother-in law Kenneth Merricks and his brother Duffy Jones and wife Marie; his sister-in law Sarah “Dot” Jones; and many dedicated nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to thank his care givers Ci-Ci, Judy W., Hilda, Judy H., his nieces Polly, Betty Rose, Craven County Hospice, Greenville VA Clinic, and Staff of CCHC Coastal Primary Care.

The family will receive friends on Saturday February 1, 2025 starting at 1pm at Wintergreen Original Free Will Baptist Church followed by a funeral service at 2pm, with Pastors Calvin Heath, Bryan Ipock and Jason Jones officiating. He will be laid to rest on his farm at the Asbury Family Cemetery.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of William W. "Buddy" Jones.