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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

John Sartini, MD

says

I had the pleasure of being Bill's cardiologist prior to my retirement. A delightful man. Deepest condolences to Bonnie and the rest of the family.

10 months ago

Donna Barr

says

Dearest Bonnie, Garland and I are out of town but know that you and your boys are in our prayers as you grieve. BG had a loving spirit and kind words to share. God bless you all. Donna

10 months ago

Sue McFarlan

says

Bonnie, Billy was truly one of a kind. I know he will be missed by so many! Sending love and light. Sue

10 months ago

Laura Lee Todd

says

Judy and family, I was sorry to learn of Billy Gatton’s death. I recently moved, and found your sweet note, Judy, from when mother died in May 2020, at almost 100. I, too, remember my Immanuel Baptist days, and all the lifelong Lexington friends we kept and cherished , including, but not limited to the Gatton and Evelyn Jones family (your dad always had a “surprise” for me on Sundays or whenever our families got together). I know this is a difficult loss, Judy, of a sibling, for you, as my sister, Vivian, died on October 28, 2020. I know she is in heaven, and I know she doesn’t want to return to earth, but I miss my big sister “Bibbie”. May all of you have comfort and peace during this time, and know that we are praying for all of you. Laura Lee Todd

10 months ago

Shirley Gough

says

Brently, Carl and I are so saddened for the loss of your Dad. He was a most gracious individual. It’s been a long time since you and Michael were together at both Sayre and Immanuel. Our prayers be with you and Travis along with Bonnie and Judy. Love to you all.

10 months ago

Leslie LeBlanc

says

Bonnie, My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.

10 months ago