Obituary of Gary Michael Jones

Gary Michael Jones, 70, of Columbia, South Carolina, formerly of Highland Heights, KY, passed away at his home Friday, April 12, 2019. Born March 24,1949, Gary grew up in Highland Heights, KY and his last military duty station of Fort Jackson, SC brought him to Columbia, which he continued to call home until his death. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Joseph Jones, his mother, Garnet Gosney Jones, and his brother Lawrence Joseph Jones Jr. 

Gary proudly served our country enlisting in the United States Army and retiring after a 20-year career in June 1994.  Gary continued to serve our military and their families at Fort Jackson holding various positions within the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) for another 15 years.  He retired from DFMWR in 2009 as the Manager of the Ft Jackson NCO Club, Magruder Pub and Victory Bingo facilities. 

Gary will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, riding his Harley with his girlfriend, and socializing with his many friends. 

He is survived by his daughter, Dakota Lynn Jones and two granddaughters Kaydence Lynn and Emmarie Elizabeth Rucker; his sisters, Bonnie Graziani, Judy (William Leslie) Smith, and his brother Tim (Cheryl) Jones; his girlfriend, Charlene Covington and numerous other loving relatives and friends. 

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2019, with a service to follow at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209. Burial and full military honors will follow at Ft. Jackson Cemetery on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.  Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home in Independence is assisting the family locally.