Harry Louis Jones Sr.

Harry Louis Jones Sr. was born on October 8, 1949 in El Paso, Texas to the late Harry Francis Jones and Frances Person Jones. Harry was the oldest of three children, with two siblings Sharon Jones Toah and Jocelyn Jones. During his early years, he lived in Florida. As a military family, they moved frequently from base to base, in Taiwan, then moving to Fort Campbell, Kentucky and on to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Prior to Harry’s father being assigned to Vietnam, the family purchased a home in Southern Pines, NC. Harry, known as The Kid, was in tenth grade when he entered West Southern Pines High School. West Southern Pines High School is also the scene where he met his beloved high school sweetheart Becky McNeill. They both transferred to East Southern Pines High School where he played football and completed high school. Their life’s journey took them to college at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Harry completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. While in college Becky and Harry got married, and juggled the responsibilities of being college students and parents to their first born Ebony Angel. The Jones family continued to grow, having twins LaHari and Reina, followed by the youngest sibling Harry Jones, Jr. affectionately known as JR. Harry has had a long and varied career in public administration spanning from North Carolina and Texas. At the height of his career, Harry became the first African-American Mecklenburg County Manager. He graduated from over a half dozen leadership programs, such as Leadership Charlotte. He was active in many civic and professional organizations, serving as board chair for United Way of Central Carolina’s; board member for Urban League of Central Carolina’s and board member for National Forum for Black Public Administrators. He also served as President of the North Carolina City and County Managers Association. Harry was recognized for his excellence throughout his professional career that included: The Douglas G. Haymon Distinguished Public Service Award from the UNC School of Government Master of Public Administration Alumni Association and the Leadership Charlotte’s Schley R. Lyons Circle of Excellence for Public Leadership Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators to name a few. Most recently, he received the county’s highest honor, the Order of the Hornet. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity – Beta Delta Boule where he serves as Agogos. When Harry was not being a public servant, he could be found on the golf course, enjoying his grandchildren, and from time to time enjoying a glass of red wine. On Wednesday, February 15, God called Harry home. He was surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves to honor his memory his beloved wife Becky Jones, cherished daughters, Ebony Jones, LaHari Jones, Reina Jones Short (Brian), and one son Harry Jones Jr.; grandchildren Mahogany, Cedar, N’Dya, Quest, and Reagan; loving in-laws Halbert and Jeanette Kearns: and caring hosts of relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Harry Louis Jones Sr.

October 8, 1949 - February 15, 2017