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Dr. Homer Louis Jones Jr., or “Doc” as he was affectionately known, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the age of 76.

Dr. Jones is survived by his son, Lou (Kelly); daughter, Cherokee Jones Spivey (Marcus); and grandchildren, Nathan, Tristan, Turner, Nolynn, Cruze, and Cade. He is also survived by his partner of 19 years, Marie Thomason, and her children, Deb Armstrong, Karen Thomason, Melanie Thomason, Kim Godwin, Michael Shirey, and Michelle Thomason, all of whom Doc considered his own. He is also survived by his two sisters, Linda Jones Tarpley and Jane Jones Lester, both of Enterprise.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Louis Jones Sr. and Mary Jones.

Doc was born in Enterprise on Jan. 6, 1946. He knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue the “family” business and work with animals. Doc graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1971. After graduation, he spent a brief time in North Alabama before moving to Andalusia and purchasing an old barbecue restaurant on Highway 29 where he opened Jones Veterinary Hospital in 1973. Doc often told the story of how proud he was of his first clinic and how much he loved the beautiful 1970s vintage green shag carpet he put in the lobby. Of course, after the first few patients came through and soiled it, Doc had to pull up his beautiful green shag and replace it with tile.

However, undeterred by early setbacks, Doc embarked on a career in Andalusia that would span six decades. Many Covington County residents will remember spending time in the hospital as children. Doc had an open-door policy for young volunteers and in the early days, the hospital sometimes resembled a daycare center more than a veterinary hospital, but he didn’t mind. He wanted everyone to have the chance to see veterinary medicine up close and see what it was all about. He was proud that Jones Veterinary Hospital was the first to have in-house X-rays, in-house blood analyzers, and computerized patient records. As the hospital grew, Doc took on a partner, Dr. Troy Jones (no relation), although, as they got older Doc loved to introduce them as brothers and together they moved Jones Veterinary Hospital to the present location on Highway 84 in 2004.

Doc had a gift. Animals loved him. Angry dogs seem to melt in his presence and even the rowdiest cat seemed to know he was only there to help. In his 50 years of practice, countless animals received his love, attention, and care. His most special gift, however, was his compassion and his love for people. Doc was always quick with a smile, a kind word, and always had a hug (especially for the ladies). His “Good Morning, Good Morning” could brighten the darkest day, and his “I love you” as he slammed the door at the end of the day always sent you home with a smile. However, as much as Doc loved his work and work family, nothing brought him as much joy as his grandchildren. There was nothing that made him as happy as a day spent with his grandkids, not even a day of golf.

Doc Louis leaves a legacy that won’t soon be matched. His dedication to his patients and his love for people made us all love him and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Please join us as we celebrate Doc with a visitation at Jones Veterinary Hospital on Friday, April 1 from noon to 2 p.m. Please come as you are and help us say goodbye to the one and only “Doc Louis.”

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Andalusia Area Humane Society; 411 Pearl Street; Andalusia, AL 36420.