It is with great sadness that the family of Billie Jean Jones announces his passing on Monday, July 16, 2018, at the age of 71 years. He died at St. Francis Hospital, in Tulsa OK while in ICU from complications of a collapsed lung, COPD, and eventually respiratory failure. He fought a good fight, but he was exhausted from days of struggling to breathe.

He was born on May 24th 1947, in Mississippi, the oldest of 3 children. He loved telling stories of him and his brother growing up. When his little sister came along 16 years later, he adored her. He took her everywhere with him and got lots of attention from the girls. After completing high school, Billie joined the Navy and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. After his service, Billie married his first wife, Brenda and they had 2 boys together before later divorcing.

Billie drove an 18-wheeler for Stuart Irby Company in Mississippi for a number of years before assuming a position as the Warehouse Manager at a new store location in Tulsa, OK. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Dorothy. Along with her 2 daughters, they made their home in Catoosa, OK. He advanced to Branch Manager of the Utilities Division and retired after 37 years. He didn't stay retired for very long. He wanted to be around people. An opportunity came along for him to work for Industrial Controls of Oklahoma (ICO). He loved working for them and stayed on with them about 5 years until retiring a 2nd time in December 2017. Alas, even that retirement didn't last. He most recently went to work driving a truck making long haul deliveries for God's Express, LLC. His last trip was to New York City.

Billie loved doing leatherwork and made his own wallets and belts. He also had a passion for restoring old cars. His favorite was a 1956 Crown Victoria. He often gave up his time to work on his hobbies to help others out instead. He seemed to be knowledgeable on just about everything. Especially cars. As you can imagine, he was called on a lot to help people out. He and Dorothy enjoyed working in their garden every year. His favorite crop was tomatoes and he made sure he had plenty every year.

Any who knew Billie, knows that he was "salt of the earth". He had a generous heart and loved to help others. He might grumble, but he was always there to lend a hand to those in need. If he didn't like you, he didn't hide it-- but I can't recall too many folks he wasn't willing to give the benefit of doubt to.

He loved his grandchildren. Whether they lived near or far, he was so proud of them. Although he most certainly wouldn't hesitate to tell them if he thought they were on the wrong track. He wanted them to learn from his mistakes and do better than him. If any smoked, he begged of them to quit as he himself had quit 20 years ago. He didn't want them to suffer as he did with COPD.

Raised Baptist, he attended mass every Sunday for 18 years at St. Thomas More Catholic Church before converting to Catholicism in 2010. He attended mass every Sunday and quickly became a beloved member. He would get hugs from all the ladies and chat with the men after church over coffee and donuts and always brought a smile to people's faces. He was a people person.

Billie will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 � years, Dorothy and his children, James (Jovelyn) Jones, Linda (Joe) Revis, Lisa Nelson, and BJ Jones. Billie will also be fondly remembered by his 11 grandchildren: James, Robert, Cody, Alex, Joseph, Katy, Anna, Miles, Hunter, Nicholas, Lia and by his sister, Faye (Ricky) Woods. Billie will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. Billie was preceded in death by his brothers Leon Jones, Bobby Jones, and his parents Evelyn and James Jones.

Visitation hours will be at Southlawn Chapel at Moore Funeral Home. There will be a rosary on Thursday, July 19th from 5 to 5:30 pm followed by open visitation from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. A Funeral Service in memory of Billie will be held on Friday, July 20th, at 10:00 am, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2720 S 129th East Ave, Tulsa OK 74129, with Father Samuel Perez officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association or St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233