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William (Billy) Gatton Jones

Tuesday 14th of December 1943 - Tuesday 9th of November 2021

William (Billy) Gatton Jones

Services

Visitation

Nov 14, 2021 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Milward-Broadway

159 North Broadway, Lexington, KY

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Director Milward Funeral Directors

Funeral Ceremony

Nov 15, 2021 (10:30 am )

Christ Church Episcopal Church

166 Market St., Lexington, KY

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William (Billy) Gatton Jones, husband of The Reverend Bonnie Quantrell Jones, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021.  He was a person of always unwavering gentlemanly conduct.  Born in Gadsden, AL on December 14th, 1943, son of the late Tolbert Gatton Jones and the late Evelyn Shoemaker Jones.  Along with his wife, Bonnie, he is survived by his 2 sons, Brentley Carr Jones and Travis Haig Jones, a sister, Judy Shrout (Tom), and many extended family members.   Billy was a member of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY, and attended St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.  A lifelong resident of Lexington, Billy Gatton played football for Henry Clay High School, and attended Georgetown College. In his youth, he played Little League baseball and was very involved in Boy Scouts, earning the highest award in Scouting, his 3-palm Eagle award, plus The God & Country Award, in addition to earning every merit badge available.  While at Georgetown College, he was a member of The Kappa Alpha Order (KA). After college, Billy was drafted into the US Army in 1966, as an NCO, Advanced Infantry & Combat Medic during the Vietnam war.


Billy Gatton was a true friend of youth. He coached Pony League and Little League baseball teams and taught a Sunday school class at Immanuel Baptist Church.


     Billy served on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Board for over 35 years He was presented with having the longest (18 Years) match with Little Brother, Paul Rushing. Many years later, matched with Sam Brinegar, they have continued a Father/Son relationship to this day.  An avid golfer, he was a member of the Idle Hour Country Club, The Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, FL, the Keeneland Club, and a former member of The Lexington Country Club serving as President for 2 consecutive years.  Billy was also an ardent admirer of Bobby Jones, and because of that, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of Augusta National Golf Course.  


     BG worked 31 years in the Food Brokerage business, first with The Gatton Jones Company, which his father started. They merged with SELL, INC in 1976, and the combined company had multiple offices in the Tri State Area.  In the late 90’s Billy joined with Wayne Shumate of Paris, KY, in growing Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam Company.  And finally, in his retirement years, he became more involved in the Quantrell Auto Group, a dealership started by his late father-in-law, Art Quantrell.  Upon Art’s death in 1985, Billy’s wife, Bonnie Quantrell Jones, managed the business for many years, and just recently, their son, Brentley Jones, has taken over as General Manager.  Billy served on the Board and became a co-owner of Howard & Miller Clothiers to Gentlemen.  He also served on the Board of Children’s Advocacy Center and Sayre School.  BG worked hard, played hard, laughed easily, and loved deeply. As his wife often said, “He is the nicest person I have ever known.”  


     Pall Bearers will be Dennis Pike, Daniel Terrell III, Ernest H. Jones II, John Collins, Ken Hixson and Cy Dicken.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 3395 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33410, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, 181 West Lowry Lane, Suite 15, Lexington, KY  40503, The Children’s Advocacy Center, 162 N. Ashland Ave., Lexington, KY  40502 or Cedar Hill Retreat Center, 3416 Crooked Creek Rd., Carlisle, KY  40311.  There will be a visitation Sunday evening, Nov 14, at Milward-Broadway, 159 N. Broadway, from 5pm to 8pm.  The funeral will be held at Christ Church Cathedral Monday morning, Nov. 15, starting at 10:30 am, with burial at Lexington Cemetery immediately following the service.  www.milwardfuneral.com


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Guest Book

Thomas Cremeans

says

I’m terribly sorry to hear of hots passing. I was Billy’s barber while you all were in Lexington an my father cut his hair for along time until he retired in 2004 an I stated cutting his hair there one after whenever you all were in town. Deepest condolences.

8 months ago

Stephanie Spence Diamond

says

Bonnie: I am still so shocked at Billy's passing and I want to extend my sincere sorrow for your loss. He sounds like quite a guy, generous with time and in spirit. I can certainly see so many of his qualities that would be impossible not to fall in love with. I am sad that I never got to meet him in person, but you shared him with us through your stories and anecdotes. I hope you and your family are doing as well as can be expected and that I can see you soon, either in person or on Zoom. Our group misses you! Your friend, Stephanie

8 months ago

MJ McElwaney

says

I am sorry for you and your family’s loss Bonnie. He was the consummate Southern gentleman and beloved by many at the Loxahatchee Club. He will surely be missed. Best Regards, MJ McElwaney

8 months ago

jane harris

says

Hi, Bonnie; I am so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Hope you and your family are doing all right during this difficult time. Best regards, Jane Harris, your French group colleague

8 months ago

Bob Slone

says

I was very sorry to hear about Billy Gatton's death. He was a lifelong business associate and friend. He was always a pleasure to work with. But more importantly, he was a genuine, kind and caring person. I know he will be greatly missed. I send you my deepest sympathy.

8 months ago

Jimmy Rizzolo

says

So sad. Billy will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. My favorite golf partner at Lox.

8 months ago