Obituary of William "Bill" Purcell Jones, Jr.

The Passing of Bill Jones

            William ‘Bill’ Purcell Jones, Jr. of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, died on December 20, 2021 at the age of 69 years.  He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father and friend, who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

            Bill was born on July 12, 1952 to William and Sarah Jones in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  In 1975 he graduated from Purdue University with a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering.

            Bill’s successful career spanned 39 years in the defense electronics industry in areas of tactical and strategic systems for domestic and international customers of Raytheon Company, Lockheed Martin, and TRW. His leadership skills were in general and program management, marketing, business development, advanced technology development and functional engineering management. 

            He believed in hard work, a positive outlook, and above all kindness and compassion for those he knew and those he did not.  A large part of his outlook on life was humor, adventure, and fun. Growing up the son of a Presbyterian minister, Bill’s faith was an important part of his life, and he was always committed to helping others.  He shared his time and talents as a volunteer on the Mission and Outreach Committee of the Congregation at Duke Chapel, as well as serving on various committees in his home community of Governors Club in Chapel Hill.  Together with Kathy, Bill loved  golf, fine dining, entertaining and preparing extraordinary dinners for friends, traveling with family and friends.

            Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 16-½ years, Kathy; his two children Scott Jones and Rebecca Jones Martin; two wonderful grandsons: Anderson and Bennett Martin; and two sons-in-law: Ben Wolfe and Keith Martin. In addition, he leaves many dear friends within the Governors Club community.

          A memorial service will be held at I:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the Duke University Chapel located at 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina. (Masks are required to be worn within the Chapel). In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please offer a donation in Bill’s memory to the Congregation at Duke Chapel. If you'd like, please note in the 'Comments' section of the donation page that your donation is in memory of Bill Jones. Kathy and the rest of the family thank you for keeping him in your hearts and offering a gift.  Bill and Kathy have been Congregation members for five years and found a wonderful community of faith and friendship. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to his many caring friends who provided  continued support and encouragement.  You may also extend online condolences through Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.