Larry Allen Jones Sr, 71, was called to his eternal rest on March 12, 2025, surrounded by his family and in the hands of his loving daughter.  Larry was born on Christmas Eve of 1953 in Springfield, Ohio to his parents, the late Pastor Emeritus Cleaveland R. Jones and Willie Louise (White) Jones.  He met his life partner and wife of 37 years, Brenda McCoy and began the foundation for their family.  They went on to have two beautiful children, Jasmine and Larry Jr. "Bruh".  Larry was a 1972 graduate of Springfield South High School and attended and graduated from Wilmington College.

Larry was an outstanding and amazing athlete and coach. Varying across the board in many fields including Kung-fu, Tai-Chi, Ju-Jitsu, Track and Field, Baseball, Football and one of his ultimate favorites that he spent decades coaching was wrestling.  He was the head wrestling coach at Wilmington College and received many accolades including being the recipient of the John Summa Wrestling Tournament Coach's Award in 1990,  a three-year letterman and an All-American at Wilmington College, Jones served on the NAIA Rules Committee, but his biggest pleasure and achievement was being able to pass along his knowledge and love of sports.  Larry also held jobs at UPS, Oesterlin, The Nutter Center and several coaching jobs throughout his career.

Larry was known to be charismatic and animated. He loved to dance which might have resulted in performing a split or two and he loved to joke and smile which gave him the nickname of "Smiley".  He knew no stranger, and all were welcomed at his doorstep.  He received the Lord at an early age at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late pastor, Clarence B. Sims and was a member of Greater Grace Temple.

He leaves to cherish his memory two children, Jasmine (Bryan) Crite of Galloway, Ohio and Larry A. Jones Jr. of Springfield, Ohio; brothers, Bruce (Karla) Jones of Clayton, Ohio, William Michael (Veronica) Jones of Springfield, Ohio; sisters, Marsha M. Jones and L.E. Darlene Jones both of Springfield, Ohio; sister-in-law, Bettie Jones of Mobile, Alabama; aunts, Margaret Pritchet and Delores Jones and  both of Springfield, Ohio; nieces, Kirstine Dana, Katina Jones, Emily Jones, Candace Steen, LaShaunta Jones, Ebony Jones, Diamond Farley and Veronique Jones; nephews, Richard Jones Jr. and LeJuan Jones; bonus brothers, John Booth, Jimmy Elder, Caesar Chilton and Claude "Pickle" Castleberry Jr.; bonus daughters, Dane'sha Bullard, Kandis May, Earlie Smith, Shannelle Townsend and Victoria Thomas-Hudson; bonus sons, Demetrius Clay and Aaron Clay; cousins, Laverne Harper and Ricky Belle and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Cleaveland R. and Willie Louise Jones; wife, Brenda Jones and oldest brother, Richard Jones Sr.

Larry made an impact on his community and will be deeply missed.  Rest now, "The Last Dragon

Visitation is Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in Greater Grace Temple.  Burial will be Monday, March 24, 2024 at 12 noon in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Larry's service will be livestreamed.  Please click on the link below to view at the time of the service.