Larry Wayne Jones

Larry Wayne Jones, of Princeton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Born June 17, 1945, in Johnston County, he was the son of the late William and Zillar Jones.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brothers, J.E. Jones, Billy Parnell, Bobby Jones, and Jimmy Jones; and his sisters, Mary Parnell, Judy Harper, and Doris Braswell.

Larry was known for his sharp sense of humor and his love of picking and joking with everyone he met. If you knew Larry, you were probably teased by him — and if you were on Facebook, you may have even argued with him. He enjoyed a good debate just as much as a good laugh.

From the moment they were born, his grandchildren, Luke and Ellie, were his world. He loved his step-grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, and Olivia, just as fiercely, treating them as his own. He rarely missed a chance to watch them play sports and took great pride in every milestone of their lives.

Larry proudly served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he dedicated 40 years of service to Carolina Packers, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment. Outside of work, he loved riding his Harley-Davidson, logging countless miles on trips to the mountains with his friends and his son, Tink. He also enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NC State Wolfpack, and never left home without his trademark aviator sunglasses.

Larry will be remembered for his loyalty, his humor, his love of the open road, and, most of all, his deep devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, stories, and love that will live on through all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Oakland Heights Cemetery.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anita Jones; his sons, Tink Jones (Brooke) of Princeton and Tony Jones of Smithfield; and his beloved grandchildren, who were truly the light of his life — Luke and Ellie Jones, and Tyler, Kyle, and Olivia Norris.

Online condolences may be left for the family at parrishfh.com.