Alvin Hugh Jones, Jr.

Alvin Hugh Jones, Jr., died unexpectedly Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2014, at his home in Show Low, Arizona of natural causes. He was 73 years old. Alvin, affectionately known as "Sonny" as well as "Tank" was born on August 30, 1941, in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona to his parents, the late Alvin Hugh, Sr., and Mary Elizabeth (Beard) Jones. Sonny, graduated from Phoenix Union High School's Class of 1960. Right after his graduation, he enlisted in The United States Air Force. Ever willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we, as a nation, enjoy, Tank was proud to call himself a veteran. It was during his military service that he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Davis in Phoenix on April 7, 1962. And following his honorable discharge from the air force, Tank began a long and successful career working for the railroad. He started out as a switchman for Southern Pacific Railroad (which later merged with Santa Fe and, later, Union Pacific Railroads). He later worked as a brakeman for the railroad and was able to retire as a conductor in 2000. In all, Sonny spent more than 30 years of his life "working on the railroad, all the live-long day!" He loved his career and he loved his trains! In 2001, Sonny began a new chapter in his life when he moved to Show Low in the heart of the White Mountains, to live out the twilight years of his life. He loved the beauty of the area and always had something to do. He loved camping and everything associated with it! He loved fishing and hunting. He possessed an enormous gun collection and spent countless hours shooting clay and other targets. Sonny was also a member of the MMA Motorcycle Riding Club. Every year he participated in several of the service projects the club sponsored and always looked forward to the toy drives, as he knew many, many children would benefit from their efforts. Christmas was truly a favorite time of the year for him and his generous and giving spirit will truly be missed. Alvin Hugh Jones, Jr., is survived by his 5 daughters: Jennifer Jones of Phoenix, Arizona, Jacqueline Jones of Phoenix, Arizona, Patricia Eldridge of Phoenix, Arizona, Brenda Beaver of Show Low, Arizona, Dawna Gains of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 sisters: MaryAnne Thatcher of Reno, Nevada, Kathleen Burr of Mesa, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and by his former wife, Carolyn Sue. The public visitation and viewing for Sonny will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 8, 2014, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service, officiated by Chaplain Kevin Weaver from Hospice Compassus, will begin 1:00 P.M. at the mortuary. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the Veterans of the White Mountains.