Dr. Charles Max Jones

Growing up in Waynesville, NC, Dr. Jones was a gifted vocalist, dancer, and pianist, performing as a boy soprano for the radio, tap dancing as a young adult, and tickling the ivories in his free time.

After graduating from Waynesville High School, he attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill from 1964-1967, before matriculating at Columbia Medical School where he received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. As part of his education, Dr. Jones spent time in Liberia volunteering in the medical field and shared that he cherished memories of his work and time spent there and visiting Sierra Leone with his colleagues and friends who were with him. He completed his residency at Emory University where he was Chief Resident from 1975-1976, and at Grady Memorial Hospital where he met his beloved wife, Sandra. During his residency at Emory University. Dr. Jones continued his education while still practicing medicine, receiving his Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University in 2009.

Dr. Jones spent two years in Florida in service to the United States Navy where he was on active duty as a Lieutenant Commander for the Naval Reserve. Following his time spent in the Navy, he served his community in private practice at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia for 28 years as a general surgeon, and former director of surgical education. A testament to Dr. Jones’ character and dedication to the medical field, he was selected to function as Piedmont’s Chief of General Surgery.

He was a longtime member of the Southeastern Society of Clinical Surgeons, the Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and the Capital City Club of Atlanta, GA.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling extensively with his family and friends, spending many holidays on ski slopes or by the seaside. He made countless memories with his wife and his daughter, who laughed their way down the French and Swiss Alps. Later, he created memories for his family, including his two grandchildren whom he loved very dearly, taking them on their first ski trip in Boone, NC, and sharing moments fishing and enjoying the serenity of the ocean at St. George, Daufuskie, Hilton Head, and St. Simons Islands.

Despite his demanding schedule as a student, surgeon, and even working and learning in retirement, Dr. Jones managed to make his family, friends, and patients a priority. Selfless throughout his life, Dr. Jones ensured everyone around him felt cared for and appreciated. He always made space for his family, friends, and strangers to share stories, laughter, and music with him, and lean on him for advice and support during life’s many challenges.

Well respected and beloved by all who have had the privilege to know him, Dr. Jones had a brilliant capacity to comfort, entertain, and make others laugh. Friends, family, and colleagues alike remember his integrity, intelligence, humble ambition, and kind heart.

After an extended illness, Dr. Jones passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side in Brunswick, GA.

Dr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Athel Jones and Mary Queen Justice Jones. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Sandra Lee Harris Jones; daughter, Shannon Jones Forkin (Keith) of Wilmington, NC; grandson, Charles Alexander Crews of Knoxville, TN, and granddaughter, Isabel Parker Crews of Charleston, SC; brother, Joe Athel Jones (Delores) of Charlotte, NC; and niece, Elizabeth Jones.

A graveside celebration of his life, military honors and committal service for Dr. Jones will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Georgia National Cemetery | 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr. Canton, GA 30114.