Felix Allen Jones, Jr., 98

April 27, 1927 – April 21, 2026

With profound gratitude for a life richly lived and a legacy that will endure for generations, Senior Master Sergeant Felix A. Jones Jr., age 98, of Ripley, departed this earthly life in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, entering into his eternal rest.

Funeral services honoring this well-loved and highly respected gentleman will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with his son, Bro. Jeff Jones, sharing personal reflections, and his pastor, Bro. Caleb Smith, bringing the message. Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ripley Funeral Home and will continue from 10 AM until the time of service on Saturday. A graveside service with full Military Honors will follow in Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

Born April 27, 1927, in Chalybeate, Mississippi, Mr. Felix was the son of the late Felix Jones Sr. and Ida Voyles Jones. He received his education at Chalybeate School and, in later years, was honored with a diploma from Tippah County in recognition of his service as a World War II veteran.

A devoted husband, Mr. Felix married the love of his life, Mrs. Sandra C. Weickert Jones, on August 29, 1970 in Ohio. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and an unwavering work ethic that stood as an example to all who knew them.

A proud and faithful servant of his country, Mr. Felix dedicated nearly four decades—an extraordinary 38 years—to military service in the Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force. His distinguished career placed him at the center of some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. From his service during World War II to his role in preparing aircraft during the Berlin Airlift, Mr. Felix’s steady hands and sharp mind were trusted in times of great importance. He even unknowingly played a role in securing a special B-29 aircraft carrying the atomic bomb during World War II.

Throughout his years of service, he worked alongside and under the leadership of several United States Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. Among his many honorable duties, he accompanied President Kennedy’s remains from Dallas to Washington and served on the Honor Guard at the White House. Time and again, he was personally selected for missions of great importance—a testament to his character, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.

In recognition of his remarkable life and service, Mr. Felix was honored in 2014 with Senate Concurrent Resolution 578—an acknowledgment of a legacy that few could ever match.

Yet, beyond the uniform and the honors, Mr. Felix was a man deeply devoted to his community and his family. After retiring from military service, he continued to serve in a different way—faithfully driving a school bus for many years and becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the lives of countless children. Each year, he would visit local schools for Veterans Day programs, where he took great pride in teaching young people how to properly salute and instilling in them a sense of respect, patriotism, and gratitude.

A faithful member of Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church, Mr. Felix served as an usher and was known as a pillar of strength and humility throughout Tippah County. He was also a proud Mason, holding membership within Tippah County, further reflecting his commitment to brotherhood, service, and community. He was a man who never sought recognition, yet earned the admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Felix will be remembered as a true American hero—a man defined not only by his service and sacrifice, but by his kindness, humility, and unwavering love for others. His life stands as a powerful reminder of duty, honor, and country, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Though he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that his life was one of purpose and meaning, and that he now rests in the presence of his Lord, reunited with those who have gone before him.

In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Teresa Eisenburg (Bob) and Patty Griffith; his sons, Bruce Jones (Pattie), Jeff Jones (Andrea), and Joel Jones (Patricia); his baby boy, Joey Jones (Amanda); eleven grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends made throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Felix was preceded in death by his four sisters, Iva Jean Campbell, Beatrice “Bea” Prather Wiggs, Mae Jones, and Edna Prather; and his three brothers, William Albert “Bill” Prather, Noel Prather, and Joseph Earl Jones.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Felix’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Friday
April 24, 2026
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Visitation

Saturday
April 25, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Saturday
April 25, 2026
12:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral