Walter Earl Jones

Walter Earl Jones passed away near his home in Greer, SC on February 19, 2026 at the age of 81. Walter Earl was born in Maryville, TN on October 3, 1944, to the late Ida Sue Ellis Jones and Francis H. “Blackie” Jones. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Jones; his brother, Phil (Sherry) Jones of Maryville, Tennessee; his children, Phillip (Becka) Jones of Ghent, West Virginia, Terry (Peggy) Martin of Canyon Lake, Texas, and Angela (Shane) Alexander of Brentwood, Tennessee; his step-son Nick Stark of Greer, SC, his step-daughter Adria Cavany of Tallahassee, Florida. 

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany (Chaz) McPeake of Lynchburg, Virginia, Alicia Linzy of Ghent, West Virginia, Zane Martin of Canyon Lake, Texas, Aubrey (Anthony) Collazo of Katy, Texas, Paula and Nathan Alexander of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Bodhi and Dehlia Cavany of Tallahassee, Florida; and by his six great-grandchildren, AndiShea Linzy, Eliza and Micah McPeake; and Melannie, Laikyn and Lynnley VanMeter. 

Walter Earl graduated from Maryville High School in 1962. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a distinguished 20+ year career of service to his country. During his time in the Navy, he served in a variety of roles, concluding his active duty as a flight instructor flying T-2 Buckeye and Saberliner aircraft. His naval career took him around the world, with assignments in Pensacola, Florida; Rota, Spain; Meridian, Mississippi; and Norfolk, Virginia. He retired with the rank of Commander and was awarded the Expert Pistol Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. While serving in active duty, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University through the GI Bill. Following active duty, he continued serving in the Navy Reserves while beginning his civilian career with Martin Gas Sales in Longview, Texas, where he worked from 1980 to 1991. In 1993, he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He went on to build a successful career in logistics and transportation, working faithfully until his retirement. Travel was one of Earl’s greatest passions. He visited 49 states—missing only Hawaii—and found particular joy in exploring America’s national parks. His favorites included Denali, Glacier, Yellowstone and Yosemite. Twice, he drove to Alaska with his Airstream in tow, combining his love of adventure, the open road, and the beauty of the natural world. He loved photography and captured countless landscape images during his travels. 

Earl will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, and his dedication to everything he pursued. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured the time spent with them. His life was marked by service, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, February 27, 2026, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Grandview Cemetery for a graveside service with a reception to follow at noon at Grandview Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.