Harold Lloyd Jones, Jr., 78, of Hazlehurst formerly of Magee

Harold was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and devoted public servant. His life was defined by service to his country, his community, and the people that he loved.He was born November 12, 1947, in Natchez, MS, to Harold Lloyd Jones, Sr., and Willie Merle (Grubbs) Little. He graduated from Magee High School in 1965 and enrolled in The Commonwealth School of Mortuary in Houston, Texas. After graduation, he worked for Laird Funeral Home in Natchez, MS.

In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army where he completed Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He graduated as a Second Lieutenant in December of 1967 and was assigned to the European Theater of Operations before serving in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was discharged from military service in December of 1969 with the permanent rank of First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Harold continued his commitment to public service by joining the Mississippi Highway Patrol in 1973. During his 24-year career, he served in the Meridian and Brookhaven districts as a Patrolman and Driver’s License Examiner before being assigned to the Air Operations Division at Hawkins Field in Jackson. He retired in 1997 as Assistant Director of Air Operations holding the rank of lieutenant.

Retirement from MHP did not end Harold’s career in public service. He continued working with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as a parole and probation officer, serving Claiborne, Jefferson, and Copiah counties. In 2003, he was elected Sheriff of Copiah County where he served for 16 years. In 2014, he had the privilege of serving as President of the Mississippi Sheriffs’ Association. He was also honored with the Jim Ingram Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his extensive career in law enforcement. He retired from public service in 2019.

Outside of his career, Harold had a great love for the open road. He enjoyed motorcycle and Corvette trips across the country with family and friends, making a lifetime of memories along the way. He was especially proud to participate in Patriot Guard missions, honoring fellow veterans as they were laid to rest. These missions reflected his deep respect for those who had served their country and his commitment to honoring their sacrifices. He was a man of deep faith and was a member of First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless friendships, and a legacy of love, courage, and faith. His life touched generations and his example will continue through the family he loved, the community he served, and the veterans he honored. It was his daily goal in life to help someone each day. He will be remembered a loving husband and father, a sweet Man-Man to his grandchildren, and a loyal friend to all he knew. His presence, stories, laughter, and unwavering devotion to others will be deeply missed by all.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Jerri Walker Jones; his daughter, Shannon Jones D’Agostino (David) and Shannon’s mother Audrey Andrews; his grandchildren, Ambree and Ashton Jones, his sister, Ann Jones, his brother, David Little, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Lloyd Jones, Sr. and Willie Merle Grubbs Little, his former wife and mother of his son, Nancy Cummins Jones, and his son, Harold Lloyd Jones, III (Trey) (Connie).

Visitation will be held at Stringer Funeral Home in Crystal Springs on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. On Monday, October 26, 2026, visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment and graveside service will be at the Natchez City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be David Little, Peyton Little, Dawson Little, Eddie Belvedresi, Bobby Meadows, and Charles Scarborough. Honorary pallbearers will be Butch Lowery, the Patriot Guard Riders of West Central Mississippi, the Mississippi Highway Patrol and MHP retirees, and Mississippi Sheriffs.

If you would like to honor his memory, donations can be made in his name to the Tunnels to Towers Organization (T2T.org), the Copiah County Animal Shelter, the Natchez City Cemetery, or the charity of your choice.