Pete F. Jones III

Peter Franklin Jones III “Pete”, 92, of Welcome, NC passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He was born on July 19, 1933, in Forsyth County NC, to Peter “Frank” and Margaret “Madge” Jones and grew up in Laurinburg, NC. He was the only son with four sisters: Peggy (Jack), Julia (Don), Carolyn (Eddie), and Gerry (Steve). He grew up working on the family farm and had fond memories of riding with his dad while making various deliveries. This is where he learned the value of a dollar and how to save it. He was jokingly known to his friends as “cheap Pete”.

After graduating from Laurinburg High School, he tried his hand at seed delivery, but after wrecking a few too many trucks, he took the hint and joined the Navy. As part of the Seabees, he served in Japan and the Philippines, building roads, airstrips, and playing baseball whenever he could. He kept the baseball streak going at Elon University, where he also met his wife, Rita.

He was competitive through and through and carried that into his years of teaching and coaching at North Davidson High School. His biggest supporter, and sharpest critic, was his mother-in-law, Eva, who loved pointing out every call he “missed” after the games. As a coach, he yelled when you needed it, encouraged when it mattered, and cared always. He shaped the lives of more kids than he ever realized. He spent countless hours in the “Pete Jones Gymnasium,” working, fixing, prepping, and doing laundry. He always said Rita deserved the real credit for raising their own kids and running the household. He will forever be remembered as “Coach Jones.”

After retirement, he found new routines to keep himself busy. He worked side by side with his son, Petey, for many years hanging vinyl siding and windows. He also loved going to Bojangles, “the café”, to drink coffee with his golfing buddies. He enjoyed hitting golf balls on the soccer field at the high school and still loved to attend the North Davidson ballgames.

But above all else, he was devoted. He was devoted to his wife of 66 years. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren. He was devoted to his work and had a passion for sports. He loved his church and church family. He was active in the Methodist Men, and he loved cooking breakfast at the church: bacon, biscuits, and plenty of laughter. He had a true servant’s heart, always showing up to help without needing attention or applause.

On Sundays, he sat right up front in church, not only because he was faithful, but because his tee time at Wilshire wasn’t far behind the final “Amen.” He managed to love God and golf with equal enthusiasm.

He leaves behind four children: his son Petey, daughters Dawn (Joe), Jenny (Andy), and April (Josh). He was “Paw Paw Pete” to seven grandkids Emily (Daniel), Tanner, Parker, Chase, Will, Eva, Reece and a great-grandpa to Addie and Marley.

He loved his family, his church, sports, coffee with buddies, and giving people just enough of a hard time to make them laugh. He never bragged, never complained, and never forgot where he came from. He was steady, humble, funny without trying, and competitive to the core.

We will be celebrating his life on Saturday, November 29 with a casual visitation in the CFC at 2pm followed by a service in the sanctuary at 4pm at his home church, Center Church of Welcome.

Memorials may be made to NDHS Booster Club or Center Church.