Ferrell L. Jones, Sr.: Tabor City

1945 – 2021

     Ferrell L. Jones, Sr. of Tabor City died Tuesday, Feb. 23, in Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, surrounded by those he loved and cherished. He was 75.

     Born Aug. 17, 1945, in Chatham County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Clyde W. Jones and the late Thelma Griner Kirksey. He is also preceded in death by the love of his life, Diane Stevens Jones, who he cared for until her death on May 29, 2019.

     Ferrell was raised in Augusta, Georgia, where, at the age of 14 he met his wife, Diane. When Diane’s father was deployed to Germany, Ferrell sold his Triumph Motorcycle and mailed an engagement ring to her in Munich. they were married on Feb. 15, 1963, in a little church in South Carolina.

     Ferrell and Diane began their life together in Georgia until they moved back to North Carolina to be closer to family. In 1972, they moved to Tabor City, where together, they started what is now Columbus County’s oldest automotive dealership, Ready Motors, Inc, which continues to be run by their sons, Ferrell Jr., and Brenden.

     Ferrell Sr. had a work ethic like no other. From humble beginnings, he worked seven days a week when he moved to Tabor City to ensure his family never had to know the difficulties he endured. He partially retired after the death of his wife, and they are now finally together once again.

     Ferrell is survived by sons Ferrell L. Jones, Jr. of Tabor City and state Rep. Brenden (Angela) Jones of Tabor City; grandchildren Ferrell L. Jones III (Trey), Raegan Jones, Savannah-Grace Jones, and Ella Jones, all of Tabor City; and a sister, Tonya Ligon (Butch) of Martinez, Georgia.

     Funeral services will be private. Entombment will be at Twin City Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Loris.

     Memorial gifts may be given to Beaverdam Original Freewill Baptist Church, 2665 Beaverdam Road Chadbourn, NC 28431 in honor of Ferrell and Diane Jones.

     A guest register is available here.