Donald Lee Jones, age 73, of Hillsboro, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025, at his residence. He is survived by his beloved children, daughter Holly (Heath) and son Shawn (Jessica); three beautiful granddaughters, Madelyn Aussiker, Allison, and Ryleigh Jones; his loving brothers, James (Mildred), Wayne, Dale (Nancy), Rufus, and Ray (Karen) Jones; and countless cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, J.P., his sister, Linda Sue Roper, and his parents. Born April 28, 1952, to the late Warner Grady “Buck” Jones and Thelma Lucille Bryan Jones, Donald was the first of his siblings to be delivered in the hospital in Manchester. Despite this big-city start, Donald’s roots were deeply sown on the family farm to which he would dedicate his life. Over the course of his life, Donald would work in the footsteps of his father, as well as alongside brothers J.P. and Ray, to raise and tend dairy and beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and row crops—primarily corn and soybeans. When he wasn’t working—which wasn’t often—Donald’s heart and thoughts stayed outdoors. He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who always welcomed the opportunity to watch the sun rise over the mountains behind his home. He might come inside just long enough to enjoy a perfectly grilled sirloin steak or his favorite dessert—his mother’s German chocolate cake—or to watch the occasional Western or NASCAR race, but he’d have just as happily fueled himself solely on the scent of fresh honeysuckle in a spring fencerow. Donald also had a natural talent for mechanics, engineering, and invention, which he applied frequently to both his farm work and his hobbies. Later in life, Donald turned one of his favorite hobbies into a lucrative side business when he pursued certification as a gunsmith and launched D.L.J. Custom Guns. Donald’s precision gunwork and attention to detail were not only sought after by numerous respected sportsmen and women, but they were the foundation for many of his deepest and richest friendships. At first meeting, Donald presented as a soft-spoken, modest, even shy person. He valued hard work and honesty over attention and spotlight. But those who were fortunate enough to know him well would learn of his playful spirit and his incredible sense of humor, noting the sparkle in his eye as he tossed out a good-natured comment or joke. Those who knew Donald also knew a man with an unparalleled generosity—and yet, Donald’s preferred way of giving was in a quiet, humble way. If you needed something that he had to give, it was yours without hesitation—whether food, money, shelter, support, love, or even the gift of extended life he gave to his eldest brother. Donald’s love for the farm and the outdoors was matched only by his love for his children and grandchildren. He will be missed deeply, and his memory will be best honored through continued stewardship of the Earth and preservation of farm life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District. Donations will be used for future soil, water, and wildlife restorations on farms in Coffee County. Visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 23, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial followed at Asbury Cemetery in Coffee County.

Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com