March 10, 2022, 70, Seven Springs –

Douglas Moore Jones fought the good fight and finished his race on March 10, 2022. He was born in Wayne County to the late Isaac Edward Jones and Rachel Moore Jones on November 21, 1951. In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Annie Moore, and brother, Michael Jones.

Having been raised on the family farm, Doug spent his early years in the care of his grandparents. His Pa and Granny provided him the foundation necessary for building a life dedicated to hard work, love of family, and appreciation for the world around him. Doug moved back to the farm as an adult, and it was there he and his wife raised their girls.

Doug met his sweetheart, Patricia, and they dated for nearly four and a half years before marriage. The two would have shared their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 2022. Patricia not only dedicated her heart to Doug, but also gave him the gift of life through her kidney donation on February 14, 2018. Doug and Patricia raised their daughters on the family farm, teaching them the skills they learned as they grew up. Doug was happiest when he was with all his girls. He taught them to shoot guns, ride ponies, and work tractors, making him the ultimate “girl dad”.

After 30 years of dedication, Doug retired from Pitney Bowes as a Customer Service Representative. He was presented the Raleigh District Customer Service Representative Award for two consecutive years. A believer in the value and reward of hard work, Doug participated in the efforts of the North Carolina Baptist Men Disaster Relief in Moore, Oklahoma and in West Virginia. His efforts at home with the Seven Springs Baptist Church and Adamsville Baptist Church placed emphasis on disaster recovery after the flooding in 1999. He worked diligently to restore Seven Springs after the extensive damage and destruction from Hurricane Floyd. His commitment to Christ extended well beyond the four walls of the church where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, sound technician, and on numerous committees.

From his tractors to nearly any piece of equipment or gadget, Doug was “Mr. Fix-It”. His working career was spent solving problems, creating functioning pieces out of thin air, and keeping things running no matter what. Doug was most proud of his own creation, the Fordzilla tractor. He envisioned all the working parts in his mind and built it from the ground up. He enjoyed antique tractors and was a member and served on the Board of Directors of East Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club. Doug’s tractors could often be seen in the Seven Springs Christmas Parade along with local fairs and festivals.

Doug found pleasure in simply being outdoors. He could grow nearly anything in his garden and always ran the longest rows. No matter how big the garden or the harvest, it was always his “little garden.” He and his rescue dog, Dutch, would hop on the golf cart and ride around the farm to check on the animals and produce. Perhaps his favorite outdoor passion was racing. He took home many titles and trophies from the numerous go-cart races he won. His victories made him feel a little closer to #3 and #8, being the most avid fan of Dale Sr. and Jr.

Loving to make others laugh, Doug was the jokester of the family. As “Pa” to his grandsons, Doug was frequently playing pranks and “picking on” Brady and Scott. He was delighted to have boys back in the family and they received all the perks of being on Pa’s farm. Doug and the boys enjoyed sharing tractor rides, attending tractor shows, and taking golf cart rides on the farm together. He was present and supportive of their activities in sports and Scouts. Though the boys will miss the many lessons still left to be learned from Pa, Doug’s girls will teach them as he taught them, keeping the legacy going which started with Pa and Granny.

Doug’s wishes were that no formal services be held and his cremains scattered upon the land he loved so much, his family farm.

Doug is survived by his sweetheart of nearly 55 years, Patricia Hill Jones; daughters, Sheri Pabst and husband, Brad, Brandi Massey and husband, Matt, and Stacy Rogers Salisbury and husband, David; grandchildren, Brady Pabst, Scott Massey, and Trey and Emily Salisbury; aunt, Hazel O’Neal and son, Gordon Hinson; half-brother, Linwood Price and wife, Linda; and his beloved rescue pup, Dutch.

Doug’s family extends their deepest gratitude to Robbie Blackman (UNC Rex Cardiology), Marilyn Hansen (UNC Transplant Coordinator), and the staff of UNC who worked tirelessly to provide quality and quantity of life for Doug.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug’s memory may be made to the East Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club, c/o Rex Sasser, 143 Braswell Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.