Obituary of Leland Jones

Leland Thomas Jones 70 years of age passed away on June 11th, after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma. Tom was born in Smithfield, NC on January 8, 1939 the son of Leland E. and Iola B. Jones, and moved to Raleigh when he was six weeks old. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years Peggy D. Jones; daughter, Catherine J. Woodard and husband Jerry of Princeton, NC; son, Leland T. Jones, Jr. and wife, Leah of Mooresville, NC; four grandchildren; Keith and Katelyn Woodard of Princeton, NC; Leland Hunter Jones, and Elizabeth Ann Jones of Mooresville, NC; sister, Patty Jo Allen of Latta, S.C.; brother-in-law, Michael Doyle and wife Sue of Troutman, NC; brother-in-law, Walter Doyle and wife Karen of Fayetteville, NC; niece Cheryl Fore and husband Jimmy of Latta, SC; niece Karen Richardson of Latta, SC; and nephew Jay Allen of Latta, S.C.; several great nephews; and aunt Thelma Boyle and husband Arthur of Morehead City, NC.

Tom was a graduate of Broughton High School and attended both Wake Technical College and UNC Institute of Government. He was a graduate of the first Raleigh Police Academy and in his early years, worked as a Raleigh Police Officer for a brief period before taking a position in State Government. He retired after 32 years with the State of NC as Chief Purchasing Officer for the Department of Human Resources on April 1, 1994. Tom served on the State Employee Credit Union Loan Review Committee for twelve years both while employed with the State and after retirement.

Tom was an avid racing homing pigeon fancier for many years. He raised racing pigeons and raced them on and off all during his life; most recently at his home on Oak Island.

Tom was also a lover of go-cart racing and could be seen at the Go Cart tracks in Loris, S.C. most Saturday nights.

After retirement Tom and his wife spent most of their time at their beach home on Oak Island. Tom was very involved with the Oak Island Senior Center for several years before and during his illness. Tom served on the board of trustees, as Vice President for two years, and President the last two years. Under his leadership the Oak Island Senior Center has grown to more than 350 active members. He was also very involved with the fund raising activities over the last several years and responsible for securing numerous grants for the Senior Center.

Tom was very active in Oak Island politics attending Town Council meetings, writing letters to the editor of the State Port Pilot newspaper, and generally trying to keep our elected officials "on their toes". During the last local election, he was moderator for a "Meet The Candidates" event sponsored by the Oak Island Senior Center and open to the residents of Oak Island.

Tom was also the sound technician for the "Oak Island Boys" a group of men retired from various professions; some who played professionally in their younger years.

You will find the "Oak Island Boys" every other Friday night at the Oak Island Recreation Center entertaining the visitors and residents of Oak Island with "good old country music".

Tom leaves behind a legion of friends on Oak Island and in Raleigh, a family who adored him, and four grandchildren who were the loves of his life. Tom always said grandchildren were the rewards for having children!

A celebration of his life will be observed at 2 p.m. Monday at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel and will be officiated by Rev. Jimmy Earp. Visitation with the family will follow the ceremony. A private inurnment will held at Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oak Island Senior Center, 5918 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465, to the Duke Home Care & Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704, or to Rains Crossroads Original Freewill Baptist Church, 5430 Princeton-Kenly Road, Kenly, NC 27542.

The family would like to take this opportunity to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Louis F. Diehl, the staff of the Duke Cancer Center, and Duke Home Care & Hospice for the excellent care they provided Tom. Without Duke Home Care & Hospice the family could not have kept Tom at home during his final days. We will always treasure this final time with our TOM!

Arrangements by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. (www.montlawn.com)