Samuel David Jones

Samuel David Jones (Sammy), 81, of Mount Ida, AR passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at home with family by his side. Sammy was born March 3, 1944, in Hot Springs, AR to Claude and Alta (Rice) Jones. He was the sixth and the second son of Claude and Alta Jones and was one of sixteen children. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son David William Jones of Hot Springs, AR, his in-laws Harvey and Una Palmer, siblings Nell Bullock, Barbara Fryar, Eddie Jones, Hal Jones (Claude Halbert Jones Jr), and Shirley Jones. Sammy married to the love of his life Carolyn Sue (Palmer) Jones. They married on December 25, 1962, and were blessed with two sons, David William and Joey Halbert.

He is survived bv his wife of 62 years Carolyn (Palmer) Jones, one son Joey Halbert Jones and wife Cindy, one grandson Cody William Jones and wife Eden, siblings Gayle Williamson, Johni Irvan, Charlie Jones, Nancy Cogburn and husband Glen, Bill Jones and wife Evelyn, Jack Jones. Colleen Mitchell and husband Ricky, Paula Noga and husband Jim, Janice Richey and Kenneth Jones, one sister-in-law Nola (Sissy) Shick. Sammy was blessed to have many, many nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews. Sammy knew each one of them by name and loved them all. Especially when it came to teasing them! His constant and daily companion was his beloved dog, Dexter, who followed every step Sammy made, especially when feeding the deer in the back yard.

When it came to his yard and garage there was no one who worked harder to keep them in tip top shape. He was even known to mow a neighbor’s lawn if they were unable to. Sammy was always willing to lend a helping hand or tool when called upon. Sammy graduated from Mt. Ida High School in 1962. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a registered land surveyor and obtained a job with the Arkansas Highway Department for seven years. From there he went to work for the Weyerhaeuser Corporation as a logging supervisor for 35 years. After retirement he decided to run for Montgomery County Judge. He served faithfully for 8 years. He was a member of the Mt. Ida School Board and served one term as President. He was also a member of the Montgomery County Nursing Home and Assisted Living.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his brothers Charlie, Bill, Jack, Kenny Jones and brother-in-laws Glen Cogburn, Ricky Mitchell and Jim Noga. The family would like to acknowledge with grateful and heartfelt appreciation his lifelong and dear friend Mr. Joe Simpson. He loved you dearly Joe. Your friendship will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church in Mount Ida on Saturday, September 13th, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Blish Cemetery in Mount Ida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Blish Cemetery PO Box 664 Mount Ida, AR 71957. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.