Fred Clifton Jones, Jr.

"Rising Sun"

Age 64, Went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2018 after a long illness.  He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Clifton Jones, Sr., of Memphis, TN., his mother Darlena Mae Click Jones Rice and step-father Tommy Lee Rice of Claxton, TN.

He is survived by one son, Brandon Cliff Jones of Houston, TX, one daughter Natalie Suzanne Austin of Renton, WA., and one step-daughter Kendra Danielle Lee of Knoxville, TN.  Five grandchildren; Savannah Leanne Jones, Alyssa Marie Jones and Brandon Cliff Jones, Jr. all of Houston, TX, and Emma Sierra Austin and James Emmett Austin of Renton, WA.  Two sisters, Wanda Kay Holman of Powell, TN., and Barbara Sue Collins-Miller of Denison, TX, and one blood brother Gregg Minnis of Ft. Worth, TX.  Three Nieces, Stacy Ann Minnis and Trisha Lynn Davis of Claxton, Tn and Shannon Marie Shelton of Windham, TX.  Two nephews, Nathan Lee Holman of Heiskell, TN, and Thomas Eugene Collins of Gunter, TX.  Several great nieces and nephews, Kayla Carroll, Gavin Carroll, and Emma Solomon all of Claxton, TN, Arlington Holman of Heiskell, TN, Bailey Shelton, Avery Shelton and Cayden Shelton all of Windham, TX, and Triston Collins of Gunter, TX.  One Aunt Shirley Click White from Kingsport, TN and many cousins across Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee.

Born in Houston, Tx on September 19, 1954, Cliff lived in Texarkana, TX and Dallas, TX where he graduated High School from D.W. Carter.  He lived a little while in San Diego, CA before making East TN his home in the early 80's.  He worked briefly as a cabinet maker before finding his talents as a painter.  He made life-long friendships over the years and later in life traveled the U.S as a Service Tech until 2012 before eventually retiring in 2016.

He loved to play the harmonica and the spoons, earning the nickname "Spoon Man".  He was a kind, easy going guy with a great sense of humor who loved to read your palm if you would let him!  He loved the outdoors, hanging at the lake, camping, gardening and crock-pot cooking.  He celebrated life in his own way, a free spirit.  He was a great story-teller and loved his pit bulls.  His passion was creating beautiful Native American keepsakes.  From a fallen tree branch he saw a beautiful walking cane.  From twisted twigs he saw a dream catcher.  Knives with deer bone handles and staffs and spears crafted with beads, feathers and leather was who he was and what he loved doing.  His Indian name "Rising Sun" symbol etched on everything he made.

A private service and burial will be held in Houston, TX.

A Celebration of Life at his sister's home in the coming weeks will be announced.

A very special Thank You to all who prayed for him during his illness and all the calls and text messages meant a lot to him and his family.  Rest in Peace Cliff