Deacon Dennis Neil Jones

Dennis Neil Jones, 78, of Lexington, passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2024. Dennis Jones was a devoted Catholic and faithful servant of Christ, a loving husband, dad and grandfather, and a dedicated, life-long Gamecock.

Born October 15, 1946, in St. Petersburg, FL to Carmel Colcolough Jones and Charles S. Jones. Dennis grew up in North Charleston, SC where he attended St. John School and graduated from Bishop England High School in 1965. He attended the University of South Carolina with time spent in the US Army before graduating, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in History. His professional career in sales both in South Carolina and Florida was principled and  practiced integrity. In Florida, he was a member and served in several positions including President of the local chapter of National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors in Melbourne, Florida for two years and served as a board member of the Brevard Estate Planning Council. Most of his career was in insurance and financial planning and having achieved the designations of: Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Chartered Financial Consultant.

Dennis was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Charleston on August 15, 1985. Through his ministry he touched and impacted the lives of many members of his faith community. His faithful service in Christ was reflected in his commitment, tenderness, and care in which he served. Through his vocation he served in the Diocese of Orlando in the 1990s, but was most prominent serving his home parish of Our Lady of the Hills (OLH) in Columbia. He led pre-Cana and grief support programs, as well as visiting the sick and elderly of the parish even up to the last days of his life.

He is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Carolyn; their four children Ellen, Susan, Anne Jones Cameron (Virgil), and Thomas (Elizabeth); as well as six grandchildren: Shelby, Holden, and Elgin Cameron, and Mary Grace, Megan, and Caroline Jones; as well as many friends and family who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased in death by his loving mom, Carmel and dad Charles Jones.

He was a Gamecock at heart, raising his kids by telling stories of the Frank McGuire era as well as of the great George Rogers. His stories often mentioned his relationship with coach McGuire and his players, how those teams changed college basketball, and how many of them shared his catholic faith and contributed to the fundraising efforts for the St. Thomas More Chapel at Carolina.

He was a charter member of the Knight of Columbus (Council 6892) John J. Colcolough, Sr. Council in 1977, and was an active knight for nearly fifty years, including serving as Grand Knight. He helped form the Arrowwood Neighborhood Association and was elected its first president. He served as a counselor and member of the Board of Advisors for Central Midlands Transitional Retreat, a facility helping veterans return to a normal life.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church with A Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. A Private Burial with Military Honors will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society (OLH), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To his children, Dennis Jones will remain and forever be “dad”. We understand that you loved each of us in your own unique way and know that you were proud of us. You cared for us with an eternal hope that we strive to do our “best” in all that we do. Your love of history, music (especially oldies), working in the yard or building something for the house, as well as the image of you shadow-boxing during an action scene in a movie or TV show will remain with us forever. The shock of your unexpected passing will leave us missing you to share another story, hug, and chance to watch the Gamecocks. We do find comfort through praying for your heavenly reunion with your mom and so many loved ones who had passed before you and in whom had left indelible footprints of love and joy on your heart. We will cherish the lessons you taught us and share memories of you forever. We pray in joyful hope that by God’s grace and mercy to be with you again.

Temples-Halloran Funeral Home proudly serves the Jones family in their time of grief.