Harold Cleo Jones

Harold Cleo Jones, 88, of New Bern, NC was promoted to Glory on March 21, 2022 at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, NC. Cleo was born on May 23, 1933 to the late Herbert and Annie Bell Jones.

Following his graduation from Bridgeton School he worked for Hardison Printing Company. He proudly served his country in the US Army. A highlight during his tour in Germany was hearing Billy Graham preach. He continued to serve his country with a career at the United States Pentagon. After retirement he and his wife traveled and enjoyed going to gospel singings and took many gospel cruises. His most valued service was to his Lord and savior Jesus Christ as a Soldier with The Salvation Army. He served the Salvation Army in many capacities but mostly looked forward to the Christmas season when he could enjoy ringing the bell at the kettle to raise money for needy families.

Cleo loved sports and was a big fan of the ECU Pirates, Carolina Panthers and the Washington Red Skins. He also enjoyed watching game shows and listening to TV evangelists.

One of his hobbies was fishing and eating trout. He loved to work in his yard and even at the age 88 he was proud to rake up pine straw to share with his family. Cleo began collecting piggy banks as a child after receiving one as a gift from a classmate. He collected over 135 banks.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Ann Hickerson of Newport, NC, brother Jimmy Jones and wife Jackie and sister Annette Canady, all of New Bern. He is also survived by two grandchildren Victoria Hickerson, Christine Johnson and husband Daniel, along with many nieces and nephews and special family friend Diane Conway.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth “Teny” Brinson Jones, brothers Joseph Earl Jones, Alford Jones, Carlton Jones and sister Eva Mae Clark.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Cotten Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 6 p.m. with Major Curtis Kratz and Major Milton Wood officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Salvation Army, PO Drawer E, New Bern, NC 28563 or to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, PO Drawer 640, Newport, NC 28570.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home.