Obituary for Edwin T "Ned" Jones
Edwin T. “Ned” Jones passed away on Monday, December 19 with his wife and two sons by his side after a 15-year battle with prostate cancer.
Ned was born in Clifton Forge, VA, on May 27, 1948, to Ralph Turner Jones and Margaret Lunsford “Peggy” Jones. He graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1966. From there, Ned would continue his education at Brevard Junior College where he graduated in 1968. He would finish his undergraduate degree at Western Carolina in 1970. He would earn a Master’s of Education at Arkansas State University in 1972.
Ned was an accomplished cross-country and middle-distance track runner in high school and in college. At Brevard, he was a member of the cross-country teams that finished sixth in the nation in 1966 and second place in 1967. He was also co-captain on the 1967 squad. In outdoor track, Ned set the school record in the half mile run and was the conference champion in the half mile. He was also a member of three relay teams (mile, sprint medley and distance medley). In spring of 1968, he qualified as an individual for the Nation JUCO Track and Field Championships in Kansas. His successful cross country and track career followed him to WCU, where he set schools records in the half mile run and was also part of relay teams that set new record marks. While earning his master’s at Arkansas State, he was an assistant track & field/cross-country coach from 1971-72. He was instrumental in helping establish an Endowment Scholarship from the class of 1968.
Coaching and teaching were in Ned’s blood. He spent 30 years as a P.E./health teacher in the Greensboro Public/Guilford County School systems, including 25 years at Mendenhall Middle School, where he also coached soccer and track. He also owned and operated his own landscaping business, TurfCare Lawn Service, for nearly 40 years.
Ned was an active member of the Greensboro Jaycees and Jaycee Old Timers for over 40 years. He held several leadership positions with the Jaycees, including Director (1979-80) and Vice President (1980-81). He also served as Jaycee Old Timers President (1992-93). During his career with the Jaycees, Ned earned several honors, including the Ten Key Man, Rookie of the Month, 1,000-Point Club and was also a Life Member and JCI Senator. He was very involved in the GGO, including serving as tournament secretary, celebrity host, gallery control and later involved with the Old Timers Tent.
In later years, he had an interest in beach music and shag dancing. He was a member of the Greater Greensboro Triad Club for 20 years including as chapter president. He was a longtime North Carolina Tar Heels basketball season ticket holder.
Ned is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Maiden Jones; his sons Chris (Sarah) of Charlotte and Bryan (Kathleen) of Greensboro. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Ethan and Lucy. Ned was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was very supportive of his sons’ athletic events and activities and was a supporter of all their accomplishments in their professional lives.
A celebration of life will be held at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Ned was a member at Mount Pisgah for 48 years. The family will receive guest at 1 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall at MPUMC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund or to the American Cancer Society.
Forbis & Dick N. Elm Chapel is assisting the Jones family.
