Mr. William "Bill" Jones

William G. (Bill) Jones, Jr. passed away on Friday, January 23, 2015 quietly in his Birmingham, AL home surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 92. His wife for 65 years, Jean, was his greatest friend and advisor. He was the son of William G. and Amanda F. Jones of Woodville, Alabama. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean Baird Jones, formerly of Mt. Carmel, IL; and his children, William G. Jones, III, Orlando, FL; Patricia Richeson, Birmingham, AL; his grandchildren Daniel Richeson (Kari), Brandon, MS; Jack Richeson, Birmingham, AL; Chelsea Chandler, Pittsburgh, PA; and great-grandson, Daniel W. Richeson, III (Trey). He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Elliott J. Jones; and son-in-law, Daniel W. Richeson. He also is survived by William P. Mitchell and Michelle Beas Hughes, two dear friends he considered his children. Bill was a proud graduate of the University of Alabama with an undergraduate and Master’s degree in Journalism and a vocal fan of the Crimson Tide. Family, Friends and Politics were the three most important factors in his life. His historic career began 1945 as the managing editor of the Alexander City Outlook. He served in editorial management roles with the Weekly Chamber News, the Valley Tribune, the Chattahoochee Valley Times, the Valley Times, Tuscaloosa News, the Mountain Eagle, and the Walker County Times. He also was a contributor to other newspapers including the Opelika Eagle, the Scottsboro Sentinel and others. In 1962, he was named Press Secretary and senior policy advisor for Alabama Governor George C. Wallace and managed many major historical events in Alabama in that role. He served as National Campaign Manager for the Wallace Presidential campaign, making history again, when he succeeded in getting Wallace on the ballot in all 50 States—a first for any independent candidate. In 1966, he wrote The Wallace Story, the true facts about George C. Wallace. When the publishing company of his book declared bankruptcy in 1967, he purchased the firm for Jean as an anniversary gift. They renamed the company Viewpoint Publications and published Alabama and Georgia History textbooks until they retired. In 1969, he added Viewpoint Enterprises, one of the South’s first political consulting firms, winning races for local and state candidates in Alabama and Mississippi and advising political strategy for associations including Alabama Education Association (AEA) and the Democratic Party. He also assisted the Wisconsin Democratic Party on strategy to retain control of the State House. Bill served his community as director of U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce; president of the Alabama Jaycees; president of Jasper Kiwanis Club; Jasper United Fund; Quarterback Club and Commander of American Legion, Department Alabama; National Convention Chairman for the American Legion; Board of Administrators, Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery; and Scottsboro Kiwanis Club. He worked tirelessly to make Alabama the best that it could be! A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35205 (205-933-0790). A second celebration committing his ashes and celebrating his life will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Scottsboro Funeral Home, 1502 County Park Road, Scottsboro, AL 35769, (256)-574-3965. Scottsboro Funeral Home is directing. For those wishing to, please make a donation to South Highland Presbyterian Church.