Gene Jones

Mr. Willie Gene Jones, 86, of Martin died Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at his home.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at McCabe United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Parham Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.

Willie Eugene “Gene” Jones was born September 4, 1940, in Primm Springs, Tennessee (Hickman County), to Burl “Adoo” Cummings and Vera Jones.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stoney Cummings and Joe Lloyd Jones; and two sisters, Clara F. Jones-Hamilton (James) and Kathy A. Jones Vincent (John).

Early in life, Gene accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He received his formal education at Church Training School in Primm Springs. In 1953, he moved to Martin, Tennessee, and attended Weakley County Training School, where he played basketball and football under the coaching of Reverend Harold Conner, Sr.

On January 31, 1959, Gene was united in marriage to Shirley Katherine Davis, who preceded him in death. Gene and Shirley shared 64 years of marriage. To this union, five children were born. Three sons, Val, Ricky, and Tim Jones, preceded him in death.

In 1977, Gene and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where they made their home for 35 years. Gene worked for the City of Webster Groves until his retirement.

In 2012, Gene and Shirley returned home to Martin and moved their church membership to McCabe Temple United Methodist Church, where Gene served faithfully until his health failed. He served wholeheartedly with the McCabe United Methodist Men, McCabe Male Chorus, and as an Adult Sunday School Teacher. Gene was also a member of the Authentic Unity Choir.

Wherever and whenever work and ministry were taking place, Gene could be found smiling, laughing, and serving. He never tired of telling others how Jesus can forgive sins and change lives. He would often say, “He did it for me, and He can do it for you!” That is why Gene could sing with such conviction, “I Want to Be at the Meeting... Around the Throne.”

Gene grew up surrounded by backyard barbecues, family meals, fishing banks, gardening, and stories told while sitting on home porches. Those early years shaped the humor, generosity, and steadiness he carried throughout his life. He loved his family and friends dearly. He was never too busy when any of them called for his assistance. He was always there to lend a hand, give a ride, or simply be there when someone needed him. “Popps,” “Paw-Paw,” “Uncle Gene” UNFORGETTABLE! You will truly be missed and forever loved.

Two grandsons preceded him in death: Derwin Jones and David Jones, and one great-grandson; James Roderick. 

Gene leaves to celebrate and emulate his “changed” life: two daughters, Jill of Martin, Tennessee, and Cookie Jones of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Robbie Sue Cummins Young of Nashville, Tennessee; and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Jean Davis of Martin, Tennessee, and Bennie Davis of Detroit, Michigan. He also leaves to cherish his memory three grandchildren, James Roderick, Jr. “JR,” Ciara, and Sherrell; and 13 great-grandchildren, Amaya, Jaxon, JR III “Fat,” Jahrae, Camille, Amiyah, Jaliyah, Aonyae, Glen, Gionna, Curtis, David, Jr., and Kennedy. A very special nephew/son, Roland Hamilton. Words cannot express how deeply grateful we are for your steadfast love and support. You showed up when we needed you most, always with endless patience and kindness. Your love, care, and devotion will never be forgotten. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110