He was born in San Diego, California on September 26, 1946, to his parents, the late W.Y. and Pauline Jones. Wayne grew up in Houston, Texas, enlisted in the United States Navy at 18, and served bravely in the Vietnam War. During his Navy career, MM3 (Machinist's Mate Third Class), Wayne Jones served as a crew member on the USS Tulare, Uss Wright, USS Arlington, and the first USS Saipan (CVL-48). He received an honorary discharge after four years of service.
Following his military service, Wayne served two years on The City of Prichard Police Department. In 1976, he received the Authorized Nuclear Inspectors School Certification from the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection And Insurance Company and was a member of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Wayne retired in 2021 from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
During his life, Wayne was a member of the Freemasonry organization, an official member of the National Rifle Association, a prior member of the Mystic Revelers of Bay Minette, and a member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church located in the historic East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola, Florida.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Deborah Jones. Wayne leaves behind two children, Tracey Dahl (Jay), and Ashley English (Brian). He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Hilary Smallwood and Wayne English. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diedra Jones (2017). Wayne will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends whom he held dear.
Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home in Mobile on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will be held in the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort at 1 p.m. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
