William Duke Jones, Jr.

William Duke Jones, Jr. passed away on July 17, 2024 after a brief illness. Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on October 10, 1943 to the late Cassie Carty Jones and the late William Duke Jones of Warrenton, North Carolina. Bill called Warrenton home, attending John Graham High School, until he left for Fishburne Military Academy where he graduated in 1962. He attended Louisburg College and Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. When he returned to North Carolina, Bill gravitated to Raleigh where he became a news photographer for The News and Observer, a fitting place to begin his professional career since his Jones family were the publishers of Warrenton's weekly newspaper, The Warren Record. Many of his photos covered the racial unrest in and around Raleigh during the mid to late sixties. It was while working at the News and Observer that he met the love of his life, Treva Mitchell, a young reporter for the Raleigh Times. They married on June 19,1969. Due to the rules of the day, Bill and Treva could not work together as staff members, so later that same year, Bill was hired by the Department of Transportation as a photographer in their office of information. For thirty-seven years, Bill served the state, and especially DOT, with dedication and loyalty first as a photographer and then as spokesperson for the DOT Office of Public Affairs. As DOT's chief photographer, Bill traveled the state documenting North Carolina's transportation infrastructure, weather related highway events and transportation projects. In 1986 Bill was promoted to public information officer. Ernie Seneca, a colleague wrote that "Bill wrote news releases and answered media inquiries and over the years cultivated many strong working relationships with media outlets in every corner of the state. Bill was an exemplary state employee, who was known for his willingness to stay late, arrive early or sacrifice his lunch break to help a reporter understand complex information or assist coworkers with projects. His kind-hearted spirit, quick wit and compassion for others were an inspiration to each colleague he worked with." For these and other exemplary qualities Bill was honored with "The Order of the Long Leaf Pine " upon his retirement in August, 2006.

In Bill's spare time, he along with his late wife Treva, were passionate history buffs, especially when it came to the Civil War. Together they enjoyed road trips to Civil War battlefields and historic small towns in North Carolina. A highlight of their travels were their several road adventures exploring historic Route 66 from Chicago to the California coast. Growing prize winning roses in their front yard was a long- time hobby. Bill's co-workers were always delighted when he would arrive with a vase full of colorful roses. Politics and anything UNC would always stir up good conversation between Bill, who was usually very quiet, and his friends. Summers spent in Ocracoke with their beloved adopted dogs, Poochie and Bubba were certainly memory makers for Bill and Treva.

For those who knew Bill, he was a Southern gentleman extraordinaire, quiet, polite, slow to anger, thoughtful and selfless. Most of all he exemplified kindness and appreciation to all who crossed his path. He will be missed. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Treva. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Husted and husband Bob of Lexington, NC; his sisters in laws, Francis Diane Mitchell of Rocky Mount, NC; Jackie M. Fisher of Titusville, Fla.; niece, Carty Husted Braun and husband Greg of Atlanta, Ga; and nephew, Eugene Fisher of Titusville, Fla.

A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in the Columbarium gardens on Tuesday, July 30, at 11:00 am.

The family wishes to thank his caretakers over the last 4 years, Maxine Bell and Rajaa Raoui, the nurses and doctors at Rex Hospital who compassionately and skillfully took care of Bill's needs, and Transitions Life Care of Raleigh for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bill's memory to Westover United Methodist Church, 300 Powell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606 or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to the William D. Jones and Treva M. Jones Service Dog Assistance Fund at N.C. State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.