Gary Michael Jones

SFC Retired Gary Michael Jones Gary Michael Jones, 70, of Columbia, passed away at home Friday 12 April 2019. Born 24 March 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 Graziana and Judy (William Lesley) Smith; his brother Tim (Cheryl) Jones; his girlfriend Charlene Covington and numerous other loving relatives and friends. A gathering for family and friends will be Monday, April 22, 2019 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn, Columbia SC. A celebration of Gary’s life will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. also at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn. Burial will take place after his service at 12:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery where full military honors will be performed in honor of his service to our country.