Walter Jones, Sr.

Mr. Walter Leon Jones was born on February 15, 1938 in Bolton, Mississippi. He was the only child to Susie Bell Rogers Jones and Clemon Jones. He passed away on Thursday July 4, 2019 in his home in Fayetteville, GA at the age of 81.

Walter married Gloria O. Holloway, Jackson MS, in 1957. They were married for 41 years before her death in 1998. That union produced three children, Teretha, Walter Jr. and Anthony. He is well beloved by his family, former employees, community residents, and former tenants.  He always commanded respect and treated all people fairly regardless of circumstances. He is known for his firmness but kindness, regarded as a no-nonsense personality.

Walter was raised in Jackson Mississippi, and he grew up in the Baptist church and had a strong faith in God.  He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps of Engineers as a draftsman and team leader in liquid oxygen plants from 1957 to 1960. Walter was honorably discharged before he relocated to New Jersey.

He was a noted business and community leader in Monmouth County, NJ. He was owner/operator of Steve and Walt’s Service Station, Red Bank, NJ in the early 1960s, specializing in auto repairs. He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Asbury Park as an auto mechanic.

Walter had been well known for more than forty years as owner/manager of the Cosmic Birth Club, 1970s-1980s, the Saturn Lounge and Alley Cat, 1980s-2000s, the Orchid Lounge, 1990s, and SBL Liquors 1983 to 2010. He directed, managed, and promoted highly visible and successful night clubs with restaurants and liquor stores.

He received his associate’s degree in Business Administration from Brookdale Community College, NJ. He later graduated from Kean College, NJ in 1974, and received a BS in management science and economics.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria Holloway Jones, noted singer and owner of Glory’s Christian Gallery Bible and Bookstore, Asbury Park; mother, Susie Rogers Jones; and father, Clemon F. Jones.

He is survived by his daughter, Teretha, Neptune, NJ; sons, Anthony, aka Tony, Jonesboro, GA, Walter Jr (Primitiva), Jonesboro, GA, adoptive son, Anthony Franklin (Terry), Blackwood, NJ; beloved grandchildren, Malcolm, Gloria, Tyshawn, Talisa, Tayler, Rayshon and Tavion; uncle, Rev. Dr. Herbert V.P. Jones, Pittsburgh, PA; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins and friends. He was a surrogate father to many that he mentored, supported and loved like his own, along the way.

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