Roy Watson Jones passed away peacefully on August 10th 2026 at the age of 84. Perhaps one truly can die of a broken heart. Just seven weeks earlier, Roy lost the love of his life, Patricia, affectionately known by many in the community as “Mrs. Jones,” a beloved local high school teacher. Their lives were deeply intertwined and most always were seen together. Comfort is found knowing they are reunited after 59 years of marriage.

Roy lived most of his life in Van, WV. He graduated from Van High School in 1961. He spent most of his working life as a coal miner, retiring in 2000 from Peabody, formerly Eastern Associated Coal Company. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Roy took great pride in hard work and passed that same work ethic on to his children. He often reminded them, “anything worth doing is worth doing right.” He taught them to finish what they start and always give their best.

Roy and Patricia raised a daughter, Angela, and two sons, Andrew and Anthony, and were deeply involved in their community. Together, they opened their home and their hearts to countless family members, friends, neighbors, and children. The Jones house was a gathering place for pool parties, holiday celebrations, church cookouts, sports watch parties and many other events. Christmas season at the Jones’ was especially magical. Pops (named by his first grandchild) loved waking and greeting everyone to the sound of his musical bells…even if they were a little on the loud side.

Roy loved sports, especially football and basketball. He coached his sons in little league football and could always be found in the stands cheering for all of his children and grandchildren. He really loved college football and proudly bled gold and blue for WVU. Some of his fondest memories were tailgating in Morgantown. As his grandchildren grew and attended different schools, his loyalty-and his love-only expanded. He proudly cheered for Transylvannia University, Marshall University with a hearty “Go Herd”, The “U” of Miami Hurricanes, and most recently the Auburn Tigers. College football and basketball seasons will never be quite the same without Roy glued to ESPN, following every game.

Roy’s love of sports went far beyond watching games. He believed in helping young people and was always willing to lend a hand. He helped make sure kids did not have to worry about money for meals or equipment or a ride to practices. He wanted everyone to feel comfortable and valued. Roy and Patricia chaperoned countless school dances and proms, and students and staff loved watching them take to the dance floor to jitterbug.

Known to his buddies as “Tiger,” Roy was a loyal friend. He was a story teller and would often recount what it was like growing up in Roach Hollow in The Depression, the early days of coal mining, and the sports cars he drove from the 1950’s and 60’s.

Family was the center of Roy’s life. He treasured becoming a “Pops” and spending time with his grandchildren. Whether it was fishing on the riverbank, feeding the ducks, or attending a dance recital, Pops happily gave 100% to making time with his grandkids special.

Roy leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, generosity, family, friendship, and love. Above all, he leaves behind the example of a man who loved his wife, was devoted to his children and grandchildren, and never stopped cheering for the people and places that mattered to him. Roy and Mrs. Jones were a team, and his greatest joy was being part of the family and community they built together. He will be deeply missed and loving remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (W.W.) Jones and Isabelle Warner Jones Young, and his wife Patricia.

He is survived by his children, Angela Jones-Ball (Shawn), Andrew Jones (Lisa), and Anthony Jones (Abby); grandchildren Laken Ball, Jonah Ball, Adele Ball, Kaylee Jones, Kamri Jones, Kolson Jones; and extended grandchildren and great grandchildren Robert Valle, Michael Valle, Christian Valle, and Tilly Dayle Valle.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Y&O Camp Chapel in Van, WV with Tim Spratt officiating. Burial to follow in Boone Memorial Park in Madison, WV.

Visitation to be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roy's memory to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802-1472