William Christopher

Jones

William “Chris” C. Jones, 73, of Gilmer, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas.

Chris was born on March 28, 1953, in Marshall, Texas, to Bill E. Jones and Joyce Odom Jones. The youngest of four children, he graduated from Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, in 1971. He later moved to Dallas to live with his sister, Lisa. In August 1972, while cruising down Forest Lane, he met the love of his life, Robin. The two were married on December 30, 1972, in Plano, Texas, beginning a marriage that would span more than 53 years and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Chris dedicated much of his working life to public service, beginning his career in public utilities in 1973. Throughout his career, he served several Texas communities, including Plano, The Colony, Marshall, and Gilmer. In 1979, he began working for The Colony Water Department, and in 1981, he joined the City of Gilmer as a meter reader. Through hard work and dedication, he worked his way up to Water Superintendent. In 2005, following his retirement from public utilities, Chris began working at Kirby Restaurant Supply, where he continued working for more than 13 years, eventually retiring as fleet manager.

Chris was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family and serving his community. He never shied away from a challenge and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether working, building something with his own hands, or sharing his knowledge with others, he believed in doing things the right way and taking pride in a job well done.

Above all else, Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Robin built their home on family land, where they raised their children and created a lifetime of memories. When his children were young, Chris coached baseball and football, sharing his love of sports and teaching lessons that would stay with them throughout their lives. As his family grew, so did the joy he found in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To Chris, there was nothing more important than family.

Chris was a man of many interests and talents. A devoted fan of the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, he never lost his love for football. He enjoyed researching ancestry and genealogy, often tracing his family's history back through generations. He also had a fascination with history, particularly the Civil War era, and treasured family vacations and reunions, including trips to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Chris found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved gardening, growing his own plants, and sharing what he grew with others. He was skilled with his hands and took pride in his many projects, from building a gazebo and a swing set for his grandchildren to crafting his own fishing lures. He enjoyed reloading ammunition, spending time outdoors, and making his own summer sausage. He also loved sharing jokes, music, and stories with family and friends. His humor, knowledge, and the memories he created will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

As his health began to decline, Chris continued finding joy in the things he loved. He spent time caring for his plants and reconnecting with family and friends on Facebook, where he enjoyed sharing jokes, music, and memories. Through every season of life, his love for his family remained unwavering.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Bill E. Jones and Joyce Odom Jones; his sister, Sandra Edwards; and his brother, Randall Jones.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Robin Levinski Jones of Gilmer, Texas; his children, Stacey Schexnider and husband Damon of Gilmer, Texas, Christopher Jones and wife Amanda of Lubbock, Texas, Matt Jones and wife Geana of Gilroy, California, and Ben Jones and wife Tiffany of Gilmer, Texas; his grandchildren, Caitlin Decker (Garrett), Wesley Vickers (Kaylen), Hailey Vickers (Gabe), Laken Jones, Tulsa Jones, Odom Jones, Tessa Jones, Jaiden Cecchi (Alex), Lilly Jones, Jasper Jones, Trey Miller, Elijah Burrows, and Thomas Jones; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Lisa DuPree and husband Frank; his sister-in-law, Pamela Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He also leaves behind his loyal canine companion, Sally Jones, who held a special place in his heart.

A memorial service celebrating Chris's life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Croley Funeral Home, located at 305 W. Harrison Street, Gilmer, Texas 75644.

Chris leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, love, and unwavering devotion to his family. His greatest accomplishments were not measured by the positions he held or the things he built, but by the family he loved, the memories he created, and the lives he touched along the way. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, lessons, and love will live on through the generations who were blessed to call him their own.

He will be forever loved and never forgotten.