January 21, 2026, 77, Mount Olive – Bruce Jones, Jr. passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville after the onset of a sudden illness. He was 77.
Bruce had been a long time resident of the Outlaw’s Bridge area, Albertson, and had recently relocated to the Beulaville area.
“Bruce Jr.,” as he was called, had been an entrepreneur of sorts, fulfilling various roles and duties in his working career. Perhaps he is best known for having owned and operated the Tar Heel Hardware Stores in both Mount Olive and Beulaville. Bruce was a proud American, having served in the United States Army. He was a life member of Snow Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church where he had been a deacon, and was always willing to do any tasks he was called upon to do.
Bruce Jr. leaves behind his wife, Sue Kennedy Jones, who became his bride in July of 1967. Other survivors include their eldest son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Tabitha Jones of Pelzer, SC, and their children, Joshua Jones, Justin Jones, Jarrod Jones, Joseph Jones, Amanda Fafejta,and Eric Fafejta; their youngest son and daughter-in-law, Hutch and Kendra Jones of Beulaville, and their children, Nate Jones, and Kennedy Jones; sixteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Nell J. Arnette of Albertson; several nieces and nephews, and the Kennedy family whom he loved dearly.
In death, he now reunites with his parents, Bruce and Reba Jean Outlaw Jones; a brother, Dennis Jones; and a sister and brother-in-law, Edna J. and Wilbur Bailey.
Funeral services for Bruce will be Friday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Snow Hill Church, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, followed by visitation. Officiating will be church pastor, the Rev. Mark S. Hobbs. Committal rites and burial will be Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the Snow Hill Church Cemetery. While flowers are welcome, for those desiring to make a memorial contribution, please consider Snow HIll Church, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365
