Gary Jay Jones

Gary Jay Jones, age 81, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree from East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, Class of 1966. He began his career as a teacher, instructing Science and English at Leslie J. Steele Elementary School in DeKalb County. Though exempt from the Vietnam draft, Gary felt a deep calling to serve his country. At the age of 24, he joined the United States Navy and entered Officer Candidate School, beginning his service as an Assistant Supply Officer aboard the USS Catskill. He later continued his military commitment in the Navy Reserve, completing a distinguished 26-year career.

Following his time in education and military service, Gary worked in purchasing for Rollins Protective Security and went on to serve as a Purchasing Manager with Zep for 25 years, where he was respected for his integrity, reliability, and steady leadership.

Gary was a man of deep faith and a heart for service. He was actively involved in supporting the Humane Society, Operation Christmas Child, Cross Pointe Church Life Group, and CarePointe. In honor of his beloved wife, he faithfully volunteered in the Cross Pointe preschool ministry on Sundays, continuing a legacy of love and devotion.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—building model ships, gardening, reading, watching television, and spending time with his cats. Gary was known for his kind and generous spirit. He never met a stranger and consistently put others before himself. Loving, steadfast, fair, and self-sacrificing, he created a home where his family always felt supported, encouraged, and deeply loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Olin Jones and Dona Jones; his brother, Arthur Jones; and his beloved wife, Jan Jones.

Gary is survived by his children: daughter Laurie Hattaway (Garrett) and their children, Jackson Hattaway and Olivia Hattaway; son Christopher Jones (Jennifer) and their child, Em Jones; and daughter Robyn Crooks (Michael Crooks II) and their children, Chloe Crooks and Emma Crooks. His legacy of love and service lives on through his family and all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on March 23, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at:

Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, (770) 277-4550

Interment will take place on March 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Humane Society in honor of Gary’s compassion for animals.

Gary’s life was a testament to service, faith, and quiet strength. He will be remembered for his unwavering love, his gentle spirit, and the lasting impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.