Gilbert Hunter Jones

Gilbert Hunter Jones, 85, of Macon, MS passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus MS on Thursday, April 9, 2026. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Pinetucky Cemetery near Shuqualak, MS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Gilbert Hunter Jones was born on March 6, 1941, in Noxubee County, MS to the late Willis Lester and Inez Daniel Jones and attended the Shuqualak school. Gilbert was a hardworking man who spent most of his working life in the timber industry, retiring as a planer mill foreman after 33 years of service. He instilled in his children the work ethic that he had modeled throughout his life: Work hard and never give up.

Gilbert loved spending time with his family and did his best to participate in all the varied events that a growing family became involved with. He enjoyed camping on the river, fishing, boating, flying, gardening and riding his golf cart, but his greatest hobby was traveling around the country. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially “The Price is Right’ and the classic westerns such as “Tombstone Territory” and “Gunsmoke”.

Gilbert, being the good-natured person that he was, made friends wherever he went. He had a very outgoing character and could find humor in almost any situation.

Gilbert is survived by his sons: James Jones (Melody), Frankie Jones and Steven Jones and by one daughter: Jackie Jones Smith (Randy) as well as by 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandchildren. Also left to mourn his passing are his siblings: Ervin Jones, Nona Mae Ratcliff, Mamie Hatcher, and Carol Young. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wives: Diane Jones and Jeanell Waddell Jones and by his son: Casey Jones and daughter: Angie Fowler Box; two grandchildren: Heather Garner and Erica Coleman and by brothers: Benny, Billy, Grady, and Marvin Jones.