George Hartley Jones

George Hartley (nicknamed Bill, a family tradition) Jones, Jr. of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, November 28, 2023. He was born December 10, 1936 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Rev. George Hartley Jones and Lela Avanelle (Reich) Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Frances Helen Jones-Detamore; his wife of 51 years Kathryn Yvonne Meggers-Jones, and son, George Hartley (Bill) Jones, Ill. Hartley is survived by his son Timothy Brian Jones and wife Joy Anna Humphreys-Jones of Hot Springs; his sister, Mary Ellen Jones-McEvoy of Chula Vista, CA.; his grandchildren, Autumn Lela Jones of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Luke Coleman Jones, Fenton Mack Jones, and Olivia Mae Jones and many nieces and nephews. His unusual grade school experiences involved attending more than 300 schools in ten states, as his father moved and trained Christian Church ministers. His business career began in high School, with door-to-door sales, and expanded by training and employing fellow high school students in his business. After a brief tour in Mexico he attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma; military service in the 45th Infantry Division; then Army Reserve: 89th Infantry Division; XII Corps; and the 102"d Infantry Division. College education continued at the University of Wichita, (Kansas) earning a B.M.E. degree, in voice. His work experience was equally varied: farming, selling encyclopedias and Bibles, teaching in Jr-Hi and High School, selling securities and mutual funds as a registered securities representative and insurance sales. He was employed twice with the Ouachita Area Council in Hot Springs as District Scout Executive and in the Tri-Trails Council of North Platte, Nebraska. A licensed Arkansas insurance agent and broker continuously since 1970, he held non-resident licenses in eight other states in order to serve clients there. As a trained Estate Planning Consultant brokered the products of 124 insurance companies. He was a lifelong student, through certificate training courses and avid reading in his extensive library. He was honored as a 60-year Veteran of volunteer and professional service to the Boy Scouts of America and recipient of the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor and the B.S.A. Silver Beaver Award. Hartley lived a joyful life. He was happiest in serving others: first his family, loved without reservation. His service included backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch with Scouts, a volunteer Cubmaster, and Scoutmaster (twice), Staffing at National Scout Jamborees; and serving insurance clients. His greatest joy was in serving his Lord and Savior, whether on the school board for St John's School, preaching at Crown Trace, Christian (Disciples) Churches or pulpit supply in Presbyterian Churches. Ordained as both Deacon and Elder, he graduated Arkansas Presbytery Lay Academy to be Certified Ruling Elder serving Barr Memorial Presbyterian in Norman, AR as co-pastor. For several years he staffed Arkansas Presbyterian Cursillo-Pilgrimage and helped Gretta Lane Missions in Norman. A celebration of his life will be at First Presbyterian Church 1:00 P.M., Saturday, December 9, 2023 with Pastor Leslie Bethell Roper officiating. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are First Presbyterian Boy Scout Troop #1, Presbyterian Pilgrimage, First Presbyterian Church Hot Springs or Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman, Arkansas.

George Hartley Jones

December 10, 1936 - November 28, 2023