Final Salute

Peter Franklin “Pete” Jones III, 92, of Welcome, NC passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He was born on July 19, 1933, in Forsyth County NC, to Peter “Frank” and Margaret “Madge” Jones and grew up in Laurinburg, NC. He was the only son with four sisters: Peggy (Jack), Julia (Don), Carolyn (Eddie), and Gerry (Steve). He grew up working on the family farm and had fond memories of riding with his dad while making various deliveries. This is where he learned the value of a dollar and how to save it. He was jokingly known to his friends as “cheap Pete”.
After graduating from Laurinburg High School, he tried his hand at seed delivery, but after wrecking a few too many trucks, he took the hint and joined the Navy. As part of the Seabees, he served in Japan and the Philippines, building roads, airstrips, and playing baseball whenever he could. He kept the baseball streak going at Elon University, where he also met his wife, Rita.