Archie Jones

August 6, 1941 - December 15, 2017

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Archie Raymond Jones was born in Henderson, KY on August 6, 1941 to the late Jack McFarland and Margaret Goodrich. He departed this life on December 15, 2017 in Indianapolis, IN. Archie grew up in Henderson, KY and eventually moved to Evansville, IN. He attended Douglas High School in Henderson where he was an avid basketball player. Archie enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 17, 1960 in Louisville, KY. While in the Army, Archie had many tours of duty to include: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Mannheim, Germany; Seoul, Korea; Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Ft. Polk, Louisiana; and Ft. Gordon, Georgia, where he honorably separated and retired on October 1, 1982 after 22 years of faithful service. His military honors include: the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 6 Good Conduct Medals, and the NCC Professional Development Ribbon. His service positions included: Food Service Specialist, Traffic Management Coordinator, Military Signal Corps and Military Intelligence, and a Drill Sergeant. While stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC he married the former Carolyn Faye McNair of Lumberton, NC on May 5, 1967. To this union they raised three children Theresa, Craig, and Ericka. Prior to this union, he was blessed to have his eldest son Rodney McNary who Archie resided with in the final years before his passing. After his military retirement he worked many years for the U.S. Postal Service in Evansville, IN. Archie was affectionately called Jabo and Smiley by many friends and family. Everyone who came in contact with him was touched by his infectious smile, enlightening sense of humor, dynamic personality, and generous spirit of giving. He enjoyed cooking, card games, western movies, football, basketball and spending memorable time with his children and grand children. Archie was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Wanda Jones; three children: Rodney McNary (Angel), Indianapolis, IN; Craig Jones (Danita), Burlington, NC; and Ericka Jones Whitaker (Dexter), Fayetteville, NC.; two step-children: Jermaine Miles and Antionetta Carter. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Theresa Ann Jones. Three siblings: William (Bill) Beverly, Evansville, IN; Reba Goodrich, Madisonville, KY; and Robby Jones, Evansville, IN. Archie also leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.