Robert Luther "Buddy" Jones, 77, of Galax passed away Sunday, December 14, 2014 in the Laurel Meadows Nursing Home in Laurel Fork, Virginia.

He was the husband of Nina Smith Jones, for 59 years, and the father of 3 children. After retirement, Buddy was known for his volunteer work at Southwest Virginia Training Center, as a Chaplain at Twin County Community Hospital, and as an organizer of the first amateur boxing events held in the Twin Counties.

Buddy was born on August 1, 1937 to, Dr. R.L. Jones and Mamie Pulliam Jones.

Buddy's family was known to be very influential in the founding, and success of Galax's early years through entrepreneurship and municipal work.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert E. "Bobby" Jones; two sisters Virginia Jones Cox and Alice Jones Jenkins.

Buddy was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by East Galax Baptist Church and former pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Galax. He was a graduate of New River Baptist Bible Institute.

Before his retirement, Buddy was a top honor agent for Reserve Insurance Company, Galax. As a salesman he was named top manager in the Gold Flight in the state, as well as being included in the company's Hall of Fame, started by former company Vice President, Mickey Mantle, of special markets in Dallas, Texas.

He is survived by his wife Nina Smith Jones; daughters and sons-in-law Terri and Glen Surratt; Becky and Ricky Vaughan all of Woodlawn, Virginia; son Mark Jones of Galax, Virginia; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law Stella and Carlos Frye of Mt. Airy, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews.
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The funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with the Rev. Sam Blevins officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Woodlawn, Virginia. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.