William Lawrence "Larry" Jones

William Lawrence “Larry” Jones was born August 26, 1949, to Ansel “Bill” Jones and June Jones nee Pinckard at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. The oldest of six in a Navy family, Larry’s early years took place around several American Naval stations, including Midway Island, but the family eventually settled in Houston, Texas.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Larry joined the Navy in 1967 and proudly served his country until 1971. His years of service earned him the distinguished honor of receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Gallantry Cross, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars.

Upon his departure from the Navy, Larry entered the automotive business, married Nan Biscoe in 1978 and settled in Bryan, Texas. They welcomed a son, Michael Blake Jones, on December 23, 1979 and daughter, Katelyn Beth Hickman nee Jones on September 6, 1985. During his marriage to Nan, they owned and operated Texas Detail, an automotive detail and body shop, in Bryan. After their divorce in 1987, Larry used his automotive knowledge, along with his warmth and charm, to help customers with all their service needs at several large dealerships in the Brazos Valley, including Lawrence Marshall Chevrolet in Hempstead, Derek Scott Chevrolet in Hearne and Tom Light Chevrolet in Bryan. Larry took his well-earned retirement in 2014, and was able to enjoy his many hobbies, including playing golf, sailing, hunting and enjoying the finest local produce from the Brazos Valley Farmer’s Market.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, Larry began dating Nancy Kimball Moore. Having known each other for close to 40 years, they enjoyed a loving relationship for 14 years before making things official by being married on July 7, 2023. He served many years on the board and in various roles for the Bubba Moore Foundation. For many years, Larry joyfully served at Twin City Mission on the last Wednesday of every month. He was an utterly devoted friend, helping to care for many close friends at the end of their lives in recent years. The steady stream of people in and out of his hospital room during his final days speaks to how beloved he was. He was a doting husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Judy Jones Smith, brother Scott Jones and many close friends. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Moore Jones, his children Michael Jones and Katelyn Hickman (David), and Nancy’s children, Preston Moore (Sarah) and Ashley Gonzalez nee Moore (Todd). “Grandaddy” Larry is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Skyler Jones (25), Bradley Jones (15), Lantz Gonzales (9), Austin Moore (9), Audrey Hickman (7), Landyn Gonzales (6) and Cora Hickman (4). Additionally, he is survived by his brother Robert Jones (Pam); brother Sam Kelly Jones (Lisa); brother Michael Jones (Carla); and brother-in-law Gary Smith (Becky) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Larry departed this life on September 21, 2024 after a lengthy health struggle. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in College Station for their care of Larry during his final days. A Celebration of Life is planned for November 22nd, 2024 from 2-5pm at the Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill on Lake Bryan. Should you feel so moved, you are invited to make a donation in Larry’s name to the Bubba Moore Foundation. Express your condolences at CallawayJones.com.