Charles Clifton Jones

Charles Clifton Jones, Jr., 85, of Trenton passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Carolina East Medical Center.

Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Pollock Jones; parents:  Charles Clifton Jones and Sue Brock Jones; siblings: Sue Jones Miller and Elizabeth Jones Waters; and brother-in-law:  David Lawrence Miller. 

After a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he went to be with his Lord and Savior.  His family, his friends, and his beloved Jones County were the center of his life.  His grandchildren, especially, were his pride and joy.

Charles attended Jones County schools and graduated from Jones Central High School in 1957.  Upon graduation, Charles entered the Citadel and then attended East Carolina College where he received a degree in Geography in 1962.  In the same year Charles joined the Army National Guard, where he served until 1968. 

After graduation Charles went home to work in the family business, Brock Motor Company.  Growing up in the dealership, Charles became familiar with every job title under the roof.  By the time he had taken the title of Dealer Principal in 1972 after his father’s death, Charles had served in every position from mechanic to bookkeeper.  Charles successfully ran the dealership for 60 years, carrying it to the age of 96.  Brock Motor Company was one of the oldest new vehicle franchises in existence when he sold it in 2021.

Aside from the car business, Charles had an obvious passion (some would say obsession) for the field of forestry.  He felt strongly that intensive management is needed to carefully balance timber, water, and wildlife.  His dedication to forestry moved beyond the quiet shade of his beloved loblolly pines when he became involved on the state level.  Charles  was a member of the North Carolina Forestry Association and the NC Tree Farm Program.  He served as an active board member of the NCFA from 2003 to 2015.  Charles served as NCFA President from 2007 to 2008 and Chairman from 2008 to 2009.  Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Friends of Forestry Political Action Committee from 2010 to 2015.  In 1981 Charles was honored to be awarded the NC Tree Farmer of the Year. 

Upon his return home following college, Charles dedicated much of his spare time to his town and county.  In 1962 as a volunteer, he joined the Trenton Rescue Squad.  In 1964 he joined the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department, remaining active until his passing.  In 1972 he was one of several who spearheaded a successful fundraiser for the fire department, with the TVFD annual auction.

Charles also displayed his passion for his community through his civic obligations.  He was elected to the Trenton Town Board in 1965 and continued until 2023.  He was very proud to be among the few who established the Jones County Civic Center.  Charles served as Chairman of the Jones County Economic Development Committee.  He fought tirelessly to promote and support projects that enhanced the local economy while avoiding additional strain on the tax base.  Charles joined the local American Legion post in 1966.  He was a founding member of the Trenton Hunting Club.  Charles also served on the vestry of Grace Episcopal Church and was a longtime Shriner and Mason.   

Without question Charles understood hard work and gained a perspective that fueled his drive to move toward a better community.  He cared for individuals and their needs and for the environment and world around him.  

Charles is survived by his sons:  Charles Jones, III (Charley) and wife Taffy, Stephen Jones and fiancé Tara; grandchildren:  Mathew Jones and fiancé Adrienne, and Marion Grace Jones, all of Trenton; and brother-in-law:  Leon Waters of Hillsborough, NC.  He is also survived by many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and very dear friends. 

The family would also like to express sincere gratitude to Craven County Hospice for their care and dedication. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 8, at the Jones County Civic Center, with Pastor Leo Fair officiating.  Visitation will follow at the Trenton Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trenton Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 188, Trenton, NC 28585.