Arthur Nelson Jones, Jr. (Nelson), 70, died peacefully at his home on November 7 after a long illness. 

He is survived by his wife Kathy; his daughter, Elizabeth Edwards (Mark) of Nashville, NC; his son Artie (Josie) of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren Brianna Smith (Logan) of Winterville, Anthony of Roanoke Rapids, and Spencer and Daniel Edwards of Nashville; his sisters, Sandra Woodruff (Lewis) of Greensboro and Linda Jones (Cranston) of Cary; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, and other extended family.  His beloved dog Marty was his constant companion to the very end.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Jones.

A native of Ebony, VA, Nelson's family moved to Roanoke Rapids when he was a child. He worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at the Paper Mill in Roanoke Rapids for 40 years. He was an avid bass fisherman and wood worker, loved animals, and enjoyed playing guitar and singing country music.

The family is especially grateful to caregivers Amy, Ashley, and Tamika for allowing him to remain comfortably at home and for their care in his last days.  

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hockaday Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids. A service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hockaday Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Nelson's long-time friend, Jimmy Duke, will offer remembrances at the service.  To honor his love for animals, memorial contributions can be made to One At a Time Rescue, P.O. Box 158, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.