THE WALL OF FACES

Willie is buried at Paradise Memorial Gardens, Richmond Heights, FL. BSM

Willie Donald Jones

Born October 2, 1944 in Dade County Fl.

Willie Donald Jones was the first born of Sarah Lee Jones.
Sarah Lee, at this time was married to Willie Jones Jr.

Sarah was married at a young age to Mr. Willie Jones Jr. and had her first child whose name was Willie Donald Jones. The year was 1944. The new experience was all but too much for her and she received a lot of help from little Donald's grandparents. Eventually they took over the responsibility for raising little Willie Donald Jones when he was two years old.

Willie Donald grew up to be a fine young man and a positive role model for his brothers and sister that would follow. He was a kind and gentle person who was highly respected for his character. He was well known in the local area as a first rate musician. Donald was highly praised for his skills on the tenor saxophone which he played as a member of the Mays High School marching band. He personally gave music lessons to his brother James J.Kemp in the back of his grandmother's house where there was a makeshift garage that he used as his studio. His brother James would also go on to play the tenor sax for the Mays High School marching band.

Willie Donald also played with various bands and musical groups in the So. Florida area.

During the era of the Vietnam War Willie Donald and a few of his friends talked about joining the service. Some time later he decided to join the United States Army. He enlisted on Sept 13, 1965. His tour of duty began on April 26, 1966 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
After a brief tour of duty which lasted 9 months after basic training he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.


Specialist Four Willie Donald Jones died while in the service of our country as a member of the United States Army on January 10, 1967.

I considered Willie one of my best friends and was very sad when I heard the news about Willie and Merritt Stoves. Willie and I volunteered many times to go on detail to the C-5 school project outside of Bien Hoa. Willie was a great guy and I miss him.