CARROLLTON - Guy Jones Jr. was a strong man who never let his cancer sideline him.
A year ago, Jones, 73, the owner of Guy Jones Construction, lost one of his arms to cancer.
"It never slowed the him down. He could do more with one arm than most men could do with two," said longtime friend Bill Lord.
Jones died Monday of cancer at Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Williams & Lord Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 this evening at the funeral home.
Jones was a graduate of J.Z. George High School in Carrollton and he attended Holmes Junior College in Goodman.
During his time at Holmes Junior, he was selected All-State at center and linebacker in football.
Jones was a graduate of Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor's degree in agriculture.
He served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. While in the service, he received several medals including ones for marksmanship.
Jones owned and operated Guy Jones Construction Co. in Greenwood for over 30 years.
Lord remembers Jones as a hard-working and dedicated man.
"Guy Jones was a man you could always depend on. He was instrumental in the formation of Carroll Academy and the Big Sand Gym," Lord said.
Lord is referring to the Big Sand Recreation Association, which owns the gymnasium that Carroll Academy leases annually.
"He dedicated his life to helping the young people of Carroll County in getting a good education," Lord said.
Jones was a founder and charter member of the Carroll Education Foundation, the entity which operates Carroll Academy.
He served on the academy's board for 12 years and served as board president for four years.
A member of Carrollton Baptist Church, Jones was also a member of the Greenwood Exchange Club.
A member of American Legion Post No. 29 in Greenwood, Jones was a strong advocate for veterans.
"He was 'Mr. Veteran,'" said longtime friend Marsh Pickett, the Leflore County Veterans Service officer and fellow member of Post 29.
"He was a wonderful fellow. He's going to be missed by the veterans. He was a big help and an inspiration to me," Pickett said.
As a member of Post 29, Jones was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Legion Hut and the dedication of the Veterans Monument nearby.
Jones also served on the Carroll County Council of Conservative Citizens.
"He was a conservative who always stood up for his beliefs," Lord recalls.
Pickett said men like Jones, who give freely of their time and talents, are few and far between.
"He was an all-round good fellow," Pickett said.
