SALEM, OHIO – William M. Jones, Jr., 77, of Salem, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Boardman with his family by his side.

William was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on November 12, 1948, a son of the late William M. and Marjorie (Austin) Jones, Sr. He was a graduate of East Liverpool High School Class of 1968 and a graduate of Kent State. He worked at Crucible Steel and as a real estate agent for Burt Johnson in Warren. William would eventually retire from the GM plant in Lordstown where he worked as an assembler and in inspection. He enjoyed gardening so much he started and operated a community garden in Salem. William also enjoyed playing chess and tracing his family's ancestry. He was an avid football fan cheering on the Steelers and coaching little league football with his son Mike and had many undefeated seasons. He was a Sabbath Keeper and a scholar of the Bible. He studied the Bible for hours and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the many lessons the Bible offers for our benefit. William impacted the lives of many. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother that enjoyed spending time with his family.

Preceding William in death was his brother Richard P. Austin, Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, whom he married May 11, 1971, Kathy (Trainer) Jones; four sons Michael Jones, Reuben Jones, Ryan Jones and Marcus Jones; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers Robert "Bob" Jones and Chester Jones; sister Renee Porter and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit Saturday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 3 to 6 p.m. Evangelist Rico Brown will conduct a funeral service 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Following the service the family will gather at the Dawson Family Center for a time of fellowship.