Mr. Darryl Thomas “DJ” Jones, 59, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, following an illness.

He served in the Air Force for four years as an airman first class (A1C), working as a strategic aircraft maintenance specialist aboard the KC 135 Stratotanker during Dessert Storm.

DJ made Lake City his home for the past 31 years after moving there from Statesboro, Ga.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding the dirt roads and mudding in his jeep, going to the river, working around his property on his tractor, wood-working, fishing and was an avid Florida Gator fan.

He is preceded in death by his father, Willie Thomas Jones; his stepfather, John Edwards; and brother, Randy Edwards.

DJ is survived by his daughter, Lauren Houston (Steven), Lake City, Fla.; his mother, Martha Bird Edwards, Kingsland, Ga.; his stepmother, Teresa Jones, Statesboro, Ga.; a stepson, Joshua Swain, Jacksonville, Fla.; four sisters and one brother, Candy Barber, Kingsland, Ga.; Connie Conrad, Kingsland, Ga.; Glen Jones (Emmalee), Statesboro, Ga.; Paula Jones, Statesboro, Ga.; and a stepsister, Tammy (Drew) Vitatoe. He is also survived by his friend that is as close as a brother, Jeff Johnson, Statesboro, Ga.; three grandchildren, Noah Harden, Ollen Houston and Blake Houston; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Lake City, FL, from 6 p.m. until p.m.

A graveside service for DJ will be conducted on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Marys, Georgia, with Pastor Chip Parker officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Marys, GA. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 South U.S. Highway 441, Lake City, FL, 32025; (386) 752-1954.

Statesboro Herald, September 10, 2024

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