Jones had high influence on Opp political races, leadership

The late Billy Jones is an inductee in this year’s Opp Hall of Fame.

Jones was known for his business ventures and his knowledge and influence in politics in the city.

Born Oct. 15, 1933, in Canton, Jones’ mother died on the day he was to begin school. He then lived with his grandparents, and attended Opp City Schools.

At OHS, he began developing his interest in helping others by serving in a number of leadership roles leading to president of the OHS Student Council his senior year.

Many of his OHS basketball records still stand, and his football records led to a scholarship at the University of Alabama.

In 1954, he joined the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to be a clerk typist and sent to Germany. Later, he returned to the University of Alabama with the G.I. Bill, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He married Elizabeth Moody of Opp on Dec. 9, 1961. They have three children – Craig, Carol and Gary.

He jumped at the opportunity to return to Opp by accepting a job with A-OK Motor Line, and he never moved again.

With his business partner Betty Weeks and wife, Elizabeth, he built thriving businesses that would last for years.

They owned and managed Dairy Queen for 35 years, built Funland Golf and Go Cart Track and owned J&W Accounting Services until his retirement in 2013.

He passed away on Sept. 7, 2014.