William Hooker Jones

He was a consummate optimist during his three-and-a-half-year battle and he lived life to the fullest; he overcame any and all setbacks never allowing cancer to define him. Regardless of any pain or discomfort, his smile lit up the room and his joy of life was always evident. Wilbo was a loving family man and true friend to all. He exemplified the sentiments of, “it’s not the years in your life that matters most, rather it’s the life in your years” and equally, “life is not measured by the breaths you take, but rather the moments that take your breath away.” His faith was strong and everlasting: he was both inspired by the journey of dear friends and an inspiration to all through his altruistic and loving demeanor and his contagious zest for life.

His family would like to express their extreme gratitude for the overwhelming support from his family, neighbors, friend groups, Duke caregivers, and Reverend Rick Clayton.

Wilbo was loved and is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Jeannie Trueblood Jones, their two beloved children, son William Samuel Jones, fiancée, Ashley Gregory, of Beaufort, NC; daughter, Lila Marsh Hodgdon, husband, Donald (DJ), currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Elizabeth City, NC. He was also loved and survived by his furry side kick (black lab, Skynyrd); his brother, Sam (Sebbie) Jones III and wife, Cindy, of Goldsboro, NC; brother-in-law, Phillip Trueblood and wife, Jean of Belhaven, NC as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Samuel Selby Jones II and Nancy Lee (Hooker) Jones and his sister and brother in law, Lee Midyette and Colonel Jack Midyette of Washington, NC as well as Jeannie’s parents, Dr. Neal and Jean Trueblood.

Wilbo’s childhood years were spent in “Little Washington,” where he made the most of playing in the neighborhood and in fields surrounding 15th street and on the Pamlico River. He loved race cars and progressed to novice dirt track competitions. In junior high, he got his start on the bongos, leading him to an affinity for drumming; his talent landed him in several local bands: “New Rail,” “August Tide” and “Talk of the Town.” With the “The Staircase Band,” he toured along the east coast playing popular and beach music but never forgetting his love of Jazz. He returned home and revived his love for tennis on the Riverside tennis court, where Wilbo met and coached Jeannie. They eventually teamed up appearing as “Trueblood-Jones” in tournament brackets; then through marriage they became “Jones-Jones” and partners for life.

They pursued careers in in Anderson, SC where Wilbo put his innate care of people and his interest in sports medicine to practice after earning his degree at Greenville Technical College in South Carolina and practicing as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. His successful career in Sports Orthopedics stretched over 22 years. He was compassionate toward every patient and many have “Wilbo stories” noting his supportive care helping them recover from injuries and resume enjoying their former quality of life. They eventually moved to NC to be closer to family where Wilbo, in keeping with his teaching roots, earned his United States Tennis Association Teaching Pro License (LTPA). He enjoyed competing in USTA League and social tennis with his steadfast old as well as new friends made through the Kildaire Farms Tennis community. The tennis community has expressed that he was a light to others with one member even calling him “Will Power.” While he was nurtured by his friendships and fellow cancer warriors, he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and relished being a William and Lila’s “Pops.” Some say that a family that “plays together stays together;” this couldn’t ring truer of the Wilbo Jones family. Regardless of the activity, the Jones squad had a life of adventures. Comforted that William and Lila found their soulmates, Wilbo welcomed his new kids, DJ and Ashley with open arms and was very proud of the loving young adults they all became. Memories and adventures of tropical fishing destinations and mostly spending time at their family cottage at Harkers Island and around Cape Lookout as the Jones “squad” will last their lifetimes.

Throughout his life, he stayed close with many of his Washington and Greenville friends, reconnecting with them through tennis, golf and music even up until his death. A lifelong best friend, Skeet Cox (Coxolius), shared that Wilbo had a contagious passion and exuberance for life as well as a chronic youthful anticipation for “what’s next?” Skeet and wife Libby dubbed him “Happy Boy” which held true to his final hour. A man of many passions, he volunteered in his community and continually honed his skills and expertise. Be it sharing his love of music through playing the drums, competing on the tennis court, golf course, or fishing, in consistent Wilbo fashion, his enjoyment came from helping others, showing grace and empathy and inspiring everyone to embrace life and never give up on what makes them happy. Regardless of how you knew Wilbo, when you were with him, you never felt alone in your troubles. He and his best friends always looked out for and expressed their brotherly love and deep appreciation for each other. As shared by one, “I’ll never get over missing my dear friend, but I’m truly joyful that he’s disease free in his heavenly home.”

In light of Covid-19 gathering restrictions, there will not be a formal visitation, though the family welcomes informal “celebration of life gatherings” with small friend groups and extended family at a later time.

You may also leave condolences at www.BrownWynneCary.com

In the interim, a private immediate family memorial service is being arranged at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and officiated by the Reverend Rick Clayton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the Ronald McDonald House of the Carolinas, or the Growing in Love fund at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.