Willie Daye Jones, Jr

Willie Daye “D” Jones Jr, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19 surrounded by his loving family. Those who knew D will remember him for his unwavering kindness, gentle humor, gracious generosity, and steadfast devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded by his father, Willie Day Jones; mother, Alma Woodlief Jones; siblings, Bobby Carol Jones and Jean Jones Parrott; and brother-in-law, Noblin Parrott. He was born in Oxford, NC and raised on his family’s tobacco farm where he learned what it meant to work hard and nurture, which became defining characteristics of D’s life as a father, grandfather, and entrepreneur.

After graduating high school, D enlisted in the Army where he served for 4 years. He then attended college at Louisburg College and Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) and married the love of his life, Beverly Poole Jones, who he moved with to Raleigh to start a family of their own.

Later in Chapel Hill, he achieved his lifelong dream of starting a small business by founding an office supplies and furniture company, Triangle Office Equipment. His persistence and diligence helped lay the foundation for a second company, Daye Jones Holdings, focusing on commercial real estate.

He led his family businesses with integrity and compassion alongside his children Trey (Willie Daye Jones III), Matt, and Betsy and was provided legal counsel by his son, Jeff. During more than 57 years in the industry, D impacted countless people, businesses, and families in the Triangle area. He treated each of his employees, customers, and business partners like family and committed his life to taking care of them.

A good day for D was spent with his children and grandchildren at his home in Chapel Hill, sharing stories, laughter, Beverly’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and pound cake. He took comfort in his daily routines, like eating a hot dog for lunch each day and taking trips to the post office. He lived each of his 84 years selflessly and in service to his loved ones. Many days were spent beside his devoted dogs, Blue, Missy and Molly,

D is survived by his wife, Beverly; adoring children, Trey, Jeff, Matt and Betsy; brother-in-law, Richard Poole; sister-in-law, Pamela Poole; daughter-in laws, Jenny, Kelly, and Erin; son-in law Russell: twelve grandchildren, Kaitlin, Paige, Ollie, Ana, Natalie, Rusi, Lula, Tyler, Emily, Lucia, Avery and Sami; expanding great-grandchildren, Nataliya, Nikolai, and Lucy; and those involved in his small businesses.

D’s legacy will live on through the lessons he taught us and the memories we will cherish forever. We take comfort knowing he will watch over us forever. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: UNC Hospice, SECU – Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Center, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro NC 27312.

The family appreciates eveyone's kind gestures and will be having a Celebration of Life service at Enon Baptist Church at 2296 Enon Road, Oxford, NC 27565 on the date of June 2, 2025 at 11:00 am. Visitation with friends and family will be held prior to the service in the Gathering Room at 10:00 am to 10:45 am.   Inurnment will occue in the cemetery after the service.

The Jones family is being cared for with honor by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan at 503 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565