William Armstrong Jones - January 30, 1917 - October 29, 2016

William Armstrong Jones, Colonel, United States Army Reserve (Ret) passed away on October 29th just three months prior to his 100th birthday in Melbourne, Florida.  A native of West Virginia, Bill was born January 30, 1917 at home on his family's farm near Shepherdstown,  West Virginia to parents Armstrong and Hettie (Marshall) Jones.  Bill's education began in a small schoolhouse where he completed his first eight grades.  After attending Martinsburg High School for two years, he graduated from Morgantown High School.  Upon graduation from West Virginia University and completion of the ROTC program, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and placed on non active status.  He was employed by the Federal Department of Agriculture in Ripley, WV where he met and married Virginia Marie Lane who preceded him in death in 1974.  
Prior to America's entry into World War II, Bill was called to active duty as an infantry instructor at Fort Benning, Georgia where he was joined by his wife and young son.  When the training unit had completed it's mission Captain Jones joined the fight in Europe serving with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division fighting in numerous battles during what is now referred to as "The Battle of the Bulge."   Bill received numerous commendations and medals for his service Including the Bronze Star which is awarded for meritorious or heroic service in combat.  Following the war, Major Jones remained in the US Army Reserve and soon returned to Morgantown, WV to accept a position with the Farmers Home Administration (FHA).  Furthering his education was a high priority for Bill and he went on to earn a Masters degree at WVU while balancing a full time job.  During the Korean War he was called back to active duty and stationed in Dayton, Ohio as an Army ROTC Instructor.  In the mid-seventies Bill retired from the FHA in Morgantown and the US  Army Reserve with the rank of Colonel.  
Two years after the death of his first wife, Virginia, Bill married Elizabeth (Beth) Widmeyer who had been a family friend during his childhood and they moved to Melbourne, Florida.  He and Beth led an active life and enjoyed golf, travel around the United States and Europe and their many close friends in the Melbourne area.  Both Bill and Beth were active volunteers in the community.  When they were in their eighties they still volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to people many years younger than they.  Beth passed away in 2012.
Bill was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Morgantown and Chapel By The Sea near Melbourne.  Bill is survived by his son William A. Jones, Jr and his wife Patty of Athens, GA and his daughter, Jeannie Isaacson and her husband Jim of Palm Bay, FL.
Bill was very proud of his four grandsons and was able to enjoy numerous visits with them and his eight great-grandchildren.  During Bill's later years, when he lived by himself, his daughter Jeannie, and her husband Jim, tirelessly gave him their support, kindness and love.
Bill's life accomplishments, dedication to family, friends and country, made him a stalwart member of the Greatest Generation.