Keneth Jones

Keneth Manning Jones, 87, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, in Lexington, KY surrounded by family. Son of Vernis M. Jones and Lera W. Jones, he was born on July 17, 1937 in Shamrock, FL. He spent part of his early years in Jacksonville Fl before returning to Dixie County in 1951 at the age of 14. He graduated from Dixie County High School in 1955 and was the Class President. After graduation, Keneth settled in the Cross City area and was a prominent member of the community. He co-owned the local Western Auto for many years before selling in 1975. He earned a degree in Business Administration and held positions with Dixie County State Bank and Cross City Correctional before landing his dream job counseling and teaching life skills to young men at the Forestry Youth Academy. Keneth served on the Dixie County School Board for eight years serving as Chairman for seven of those years. He was appointed by the Governor to represent Dixie County and four other counties as a member of the Florida School Boards Association. He also served as President of the Dixie County Rotary Club and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce. Keneth was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. In his younger years, you could catch him at the local roller-skating rink, and he could always be found on the dance floor. One of his greatest passions was music. He had a beautiful singing voice and often shared his talent with others, whether that was singing in the choir at church, at family gatherings or comforting others during the loss of a loved one. In addition to music, he had a green thumb and spent countless hours tending to his flowers. He had a deep appreciation for nature and found solace in the beauty that was around him. He was an accomplished artist and loved showing off his beautiful artwork. He also loved to spend time on the Suwannee River and spent many hours when he was younger fishing from the banks of the river. Keneth was an avid animal lover, known to care for many dogs, cats, horses and even a baby squirrel over the years. Most recently was his devoted cat, Obi, who was a loving companion to him until the very end. Keneth loved to travel, especially when it was an opportunity to spend time with his children. He spent time in New Orleans with Kim, traveled to England and Spain with Gail, took multiple road trips around Florida with Cheryl and spent time in Washington DC and New York, NY with Debi. The most memorable trip for the whole family was a cruise through the New England states and Canada that he was able to take with his kids last October. His other travels included multiple states for visits with his sister, Verna Lee, her husband Donnie and son Jeremy. He had a special bond with his sister that words can hardly describe, filled with love and endless support. Although we mourn his loss daily, we rejoice in the fact that he had an unwavering faith in God. We are sure that he is up in heaven doing what he did best “socializing with anyone and everybody”. He was a man that certainly took his time with everything that he did, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Keneth is survived by his four children, Kim (Vicky) Jones of Smiths Station, AL, Gail (Mark) Matthews of Wilmore, KY, Cheryl (Tommy) Estevez of Archer, FL and Debi Huff of Ariton, AL; sister, Verna Lee Green of Millbrook, AL; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; Nephew, Jeremy (Holly) Green; several cousins and other extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernis and Lera Jones and his brother-in-law, Don Green. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel. Interment will follow at Old Town Memorial Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Keneth Jones

July 17, 1937 - February 17, 2025