William Loyd “Billy” Jones, 69, of Statesville, N.C., entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House.

Billy was born in Iredell County on September 16, 1955, to the late Robert Andrew Jones and Zeta Mae Reid Jones. He attended South Iredell High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

On August 26, 1986, Billy married the love of his life, Sheila “Gail” Nixon Jones, who preceded him in death on October 12, 2024. As a child, he enjoyed riding with his father in a Ford Falcon and digging graves. In 1992, he started Little J’s Backhoe Service and during his career dug graves in almost every cemetery in Iredell County. During this time, he was also the contract gravedigger for the City of Statesville for over 20 years. His service extended to many people, and he served each family as if they were his own. It did not matter race or creed. His work was often also his ministry. For many families that lost a child or an infant, he did not charge for his services.

He was a faithful member of Lake Harvest Church of God and had helped them with his backhoe service around the church.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Dale Jones, Jimmy Jones, Tommy Jones, Robert (Junior) Jones, and Paul Jones.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved son, William Andrew Jones, and wife Emily; his precious granddaughter, Evelyn Ann Jones; one brother, Johnnie Jones (Debbie); and sister, Ann “Annie” Jones Alexander (Roger). He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law.

A service to celebrate the life of Billy Jones will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Lake Harvest Church of God, with Pastor Matt Lewis, Rev. Wayne Miller, and Rev. Roger Crider officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Gail at St. Michael’s Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, February 6, at Troutman Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Serving as active pallbearers will be Will Clontz, Kenny Rimmer, Lee Keller, Andy Jones, Kenny Jones, and Tommy Murphy.

Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family.