Harding Wilson Jones

After 91 years on-the-go, his work is finally done. On November 18, 2013, the Lord called Harding Wilson Jones to his heavenly home to be reunited with his loving wife, Fannie. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Young Jones and Annie Edward Barrow Jones; his devoted wife of 68 years, Fannie Bell Long Jones; brothers, David Jones and Jack Jones; sister, Mattie Brantley; half-siblings, Mary Finch, Robert Barrow, Ernest Barrow, Louise Blanton; and special nephew, Robert Baird. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Dupree and husband Kirby; grandson, Jonathan Evans and wife Kim; great-granddaughters, Anna Evans and Jenna Evans; special nephew, George Washington and wife Pat; and several other nephews. He will also be missed by his beloved pets, Ben and Dakota. Harding was born May 3, 1922 in Brodnax VA. He married Fannie Bell Long in 1941 and they settled in the Roanoke Rapids area. Harding started working at the mill and after work would haul block ice and fresh fish to sell to the country folks in the area. He and Fannie cut the trees to get lumber to build their first home in Gaston. In 1949, after moving to the Sharpsburg area, his love of cars led to a long career as an auto mechanic at Allen Mims/Crest Ford, as well as his side business, "Jones Garage" where he worked on the cars of friends and neighbors 24/7. After retiring as a mechanic, he began a second career of nearly 3 decades with the Rocky Mount Telegram that lasted until his passing. Harding was also a long time member and former deacon of Sharpsburg Baptist Church. Among the many things that he enjoyed are a long list of faithful dogs, camping in the Smokey Mountains, yard sales, antiques, sharing tomatoes and hot peppers from his garden, and Barbara's homemade carrot cake. He was fond of the many cars he owned and working on a car with his grandson for his great-granddaughter. He especially enjoyed going to "Grandparents Day" at his great-granddaughter's school. Harding mostly enjoyed people and would talk about the above things with anyone who would listen. A service to remember Harding will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home with Rev. Elwood Long and Rev. Billy Webb officiating. Visitation with the family will be 12:30pm to 1:45pm prior to the service and other times, at his home. Burial will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family would like to offer a special thanks and grateful appreciation for their support to Dr. Mark Abel and the nurses and staff of Rocky Mount Family Medical Center and to his extended family at the Rocky Mount Telegram and to Ben's special friend, Dr. Ben Turner. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 11/21, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 11/21, 2:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804