Leon Holmes Jones

COLUMBIA - Leon Holmes Jones, age 93, passed from this life into Heaven on April 19, 2018. Leon was born August 7, 1924 in Anderson, SC, to Richard James Jones and Cara Keaton Jones. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the Army and assigned to the 166th Engineer Combat Battalion, General Patton’s Army, in the European Theatre. He participated in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. His Corps was responsible for liberating Blois and Orléans in the region of the Loire Valley, France. In 2013, Leon was decorated by the President of the Republic of France with the National Order of the Legion of Honour for his role in that liberation.

He was the youngest of eight children with two older brothers serving in WWII at the same time. Following the war, Leon graduated from Droughns Business College in Greenville, SC. and married Sylvene Branyon, of Honea Path, SC enjoying 61 years of marriage.

Leon sold insurance for Nationwide and Integon Insurance Companies for many years before starting Leon H. Jones Insurance and Investment Company, in Columbia, SC. He was known for his work ethic and charisma. The business is now operated by his son, Michael H. Jones.

Leon knew great success in his professional pursuits. But above all, he was known for his “larger-than-life personality”. He was a spiritually gifted humble man and a great lifter of spirits due to his jovial, genteel nature. His innate concern for others and his God-given wisdom were the blessings that changed the lives of many from Bridge Clubs to Barbershops. He enjoyed his membership in various organizations, including the Rotary Club, Lions Club and the Jamil Temple Shriners. He built his life around God and His will, attending First Baptist Church, Anderson, SC for 39 years where he was ordained as a Deacon and after moving to Columbia, SC, was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church, Columbia, for the rest of his life.

Leon is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 61 years, Sylvene, as well as his four children, Randall Leon (Sharron), Michael Holmes (Jean), Deborah Jones Hart (Jim) of Pinehurst, NC, and Cynthia Jones Walter (Fisher) of Edisto Island, SC.; seven grandchildren. Franklin Jones (Jennifer), Michael Jones (Austin), Amanda Riendeau (Rick); Branyon Jones; William and Noel Hart; and Eleanor Walter; and five great-grandchildren: Finley, Ivy and Lenore Jones; Hampton and Fisher Jones. Leon is predeceased by his five brothers and two sisters.

In his final days, Leon looked forward to being with the Lord in Heaven and reuniting with those he loves and knows. He was the Patriarch of his family and his positive spirit, encouraging words and profound wisdom will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved him; however, they are comforted in celebrating Leon's life, knowing that he is full of joy, perfectly whole and free from all earthly ills, pains and tribulations.

The burial service will be held prior to the memorial service celebrating of Leon’s exemplary life on Tuesday, April 24th beginning at 12:00 noon in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at the intersection of Percival and Clemson Road, Columbia, SC. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Boyce Chapel, located at 1306 Hampton Street in Columbia. Dr. Wendell Estep will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Leon and the family have asked that all memorials be sent to First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.