The Selma Times-Journal

Selmians are remembering William Leon Jones as a kind, compassionate family man who carried himself with the utmost integrity.

Jones, co-founder and former president of Bush Hog manufacturing company, died Oct. 27. He was 93. Services were held Friday afternoon at New Live Oak Cemetery.

A native of Coffeeville, Ala., Jones and his wife, Sara, moved with their family to Selma in 1945. In 1951, he became a co-founder of the Bush Hog Manufacturing Company. His family also started Cougar Oil Inc.

City Council member and Old Depot Museum director Jean T. Martin last saw Jones at a YMCA reception honoring his contributions to the city. Martin remembers Jones as an &8220;excellent businessman,&8221; but also as much more.

Although

he was not born and raised in Selma, he cared deeply about the city and the people who lived here, Martin said.

His children remembered him as a constant presence in their lives, William &8220;Bill&8221; Leon Jones Jr. said.

Jones said his father always made sure his family was well taken care of.

Martin said he was an active member of the boards he served on. &8220;And that’s unusual,&8221; she said.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank, which became South Trust and then Wachovia Bank. He was a member of the Selma-Dallas County Industrial Development Board, Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board of Directors, president of the Selma Civitan Club, co-chair of the United Way and president of the Southern Farm Association.

Jones spoke with pride about his father, who in addition to his community involvement, saw fit to take a more active role in his philanthropy.

Jones said his father was modest about it to.

His father integrity has impressed the younger Jones more than anything, he said.

James Bearden-VP at Bushhog-left message

Larry Striplin-no number

Jean martin-call back

Call Jay Davis