August 30, 2025, 79, Goldsboro —
Gilbert Douglas “Doug” Jones passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, while surrounded by the compassionate care of Heartland Hospice at Rex Hospital.
Born in Lenoir County to the late Johnnie Manley and Olive Williams Jones, Doug lived a life defined by service, family, and faith. He proudly served his country for 22 years with the Army National Guard. He treasured the deep friendships and lessons he carried from his time in uniform. After graduating from North Carolina State University, he began his career as a civil engineer with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he worked with dedication and integrity.
Above all, Doug’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Gail Thornton Jones; his daughter, Glenda Jones MacDonald and husband, David; his son, Brian Douglas Jones and wife, Nicole; and a special daughter, Mary Feige Parker and husband, David; his grandchildren, Nicole Smoot, Matthew Bunch, Stephen Bunch, Caleb Jones, Chris Feige, Doug Feige, and Kyle Feige; and great-grandchildren, Emory and Parker Smoot, Zoe Bunch, and Kaitlyn, Hazel, Waylon, and Josie Feige. Also left to cherish his memory is his brother, Major Jones, and wife, Kitsie.
Throughout his life, Doug was a faithful member of churches wherever his career took him. In recent years, he was part of the First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, where he especially enjoyed supporting missionary work through the Fishers of Men group. Together, Doug and Gail opened their hearts and home to more than 20 foster children, leaving a legacy of love and care that touched countless lives.
A service to honor Doug’s life will be held Friday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Mr. Jones will be laid to rest following a private committal service at Pineview Cemetery in Seven Springs.
Doug will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the deep love he held for his family and country.
