Gene Watts Jones

Gene W. Jones, of 501 E. Whitaker Mill Road, died at home on July 15, 2018. Born in Durham, N.C. on September 24th 1929, he was the son of Harry Fleming Jones and Cleo Watts Jones. He graduated from Durham High School in 1947 and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from N.C. State in 1952. Gene enlisted in the Army in 1953. A first lieutenant in ordinance, he was an aide de camp to the commanding general at Red River Arsenal, Texas. He also served as company commander in the 601st Army Battalion in Fontenot, France. Jones was mustered out in 1955. After his return to N.C. State in 1955, he earned a professional degree in civil engineering at N.C. State, with an emphasis on structures. From 1957 to 1959 he taught in the Department of Civil Engineering at N.C. State. In 1960, he joined the firm of F. Carter Williams Architects, where he worked until his retirement in 1995. He worked on landmarks such as Minges Coliseum at ECU, Jones Chapel at Meredith College, Athens Drive High School, and Carroll Middle School. As a member of the North Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, he served on its board of directors and as its treasurer. He was the first president of the Raleigh Section of the N.C.A.I.A. He was a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and president of the Eastern Branch of that organization. He also served as president of the Construction Specification Institute. Gene was a member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and as president of the Men’s Fellowship Class. A member of the Raleigh Jaycees, Gene served as secretary and chairman of the Staging Committee for the Miss North Carolina Pageant in 1965. A member of the Raleigh Civitan Club since 1967, he served on its board of directors and as chairman of candy sales. In 2002 he was named Civitan of the Year. Gene’s enthusiasm for sports extended into many projects. He was president, vice president, and treasurer of the Raleigh Sports Club and a board member of the Raleigh Hot Stove League. In addition to serving as president of the Aycock Junior High School PTA, he was a founder of the Booster Club at Enloe High School. He coached little league baseball and was president and secretary of the Raleigh Youth Football Federation. Gene was always in the stands when his son, Harry, was playing or coaching. Of course, he was a dedicated supporter of the Wolfpack. Jones’ interest in travel and Civil War history led him to read extensively and visit battlefields. His passion for photography extended to family and friends, who will miss his custom-made greeting cards for all occasions. Woodworking and gardening were also among his hobbies. He built the china cabinet, dining room table, end tables, and lamps that are still in use by the family. He will be remembered, by golly, for his quick wit, skill and creativity, service, generosity, and neighborly thoughtfulness to countless organizations and individuals. Gene W. Jones was predeceased by his parents and by a grandchild, Megan Marie Jones. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Fowler Jones of Raleigh; their daughter, Carol Jones Applegate, and her husband, Sheldon, of Reston, Va.; Harry Fowler Jones and his wife, Melody, of Garner; and three grandchildren: Sarah Rebecca Applegate, Jacob Gene Fowler Jones, and Kirby Elizabeth Jones. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 19 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. A reception will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church (2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh 27608) or Easter Seals UCP North Carolina (3801 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh 27607).