Billy Lee Jones

Billy Lee Jones, age 84, of Blue Grass, passed away Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at his home.

Born October 1, 1940 in Doe Hill, Billy was a son of the late Charles Kenton and Bertha Lillian (Simmons) Jones. At the age of 8, he was relocated to reside at the Lynchburg Training Center, where he remained for the next 46 years. Billy’s future caregiver, Martha, was introduced to him through his brother who had come to live in a Waynesboro group home. When she discovered these brothers had originated from Highland County, the Community Sponsored Placement Program began. In 1994, he returned to Doe Hill where he resided at the former home of Walter and Emma Botkin, of whom he was related. There, he attended Doe Hill United Methodist Church and developed a very special friendship with his neighbor, Shirley Armstrong, as well as with the entire Doe Hill community. The entire community was very kind and welcoming to him.

In 2002, he moved to Mount Sidney, which he made his home for approximately 15 years. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church and there, once again made many friends. Additionally, he was known for his special room at Shenandoah Valley Landscaping and for his love of the Brooks family. Ultimately, Billy would call his native Highland County home, residing in Blue Grass for the past 7 years.

Over that 30-year period, he was lovingly cared for and resided with Martha Colaw Hancock; his biological brother, John Luther Jones, who passed earlier this year; as well as his special younger brothers, James Curtis Hancock and George Lane Hancock.

From the time they were born, Billy watched James and Lane grow from children into young men, who would ultimately help care for him. He touched many of their young friends' lives, as well as James' wife, Marissa Hancock and Lane's girlfriend, Presley Marshall. Lisa Kodger, or “Wisa” to him, was his special girl. Other special people in his life were Lois White, Trudy Colaw, Donna Warner, Debbie Coleman, and Sabra Spears. He was very close to the late George “Goog” Colaw, whom he always referred to as "Daddy”, and argued with constantly. He attended both the Colaw and Brown family reunions and gatherings, as he was considered a part of these families. When asked his name, he would reply Billy Colaw.

Billy was so full of energy in his younger years, and was the greatest source of laughter to everyone around him. His favorites were Hank “Tank” Williams, Johnny Cash, all western stars, vehicles, dogs, goats, coloring, and magazines. Many will remember how he could spot a dog a hundred miles away, and how quickly he would learn each vehicle everyone drove in the community. He was truly a unique and wonderful person, who you would never forget once you met him or his sense of humor. Such as, when preparing for baptism, he was asked if he believed in Jesus, to which he replied with eyes wide open, “You’re damn right I do!” – he simply made lasting impressions.

A graveside funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in Blue Grass Cemetery with Rev. Andre Crummett officiating.

Obaugh Funeral Home’s staff will receive family and friends wishing to pay their respects throughout the day Monday, November 11th, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the funeral home in McDowell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.