Wyly King Jones, Jr., 75, of Blacksburg, passed away Aug. 19, 2025, at Lewis Gale Hospital in Pulaski.
He was born on a military base in Japan on Feb. 14, 1950. His family was stationed various places, including the Philippines, finally settling in Arlington, Va.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Col. Wyly K Jones, Sr. and Olive Sorenson Jones; beloved sister, Dr. Georgia Sorenson; and a brother, Jeffery Jones. He is survived by his partner in love and life for 50 years, Jennifer Leigh Shelor, of Blacksburg; niece, Suzanna Fitzpatrick, her husband Glenn, and their two children, of Maryland; and a brother, Gordon Jones, his wife Holly, and their three children, of Florida.
Wyly was creative, intelligent, and kind. He loved learning and studied the dictionary and languages. He was a wizard with words. Always sharing something he had learned or invented.
Wyly graduated from Virginia Tech, then worked in construction for several years. Later, he helped Jennifer run the Clothes Rack store on Main Street in Blacksburg for many years. In his prime, he was a talented musician who performed locally, an avid tennis player every day, a bike rider, writer, and thinker.
In 2007 he had a major stroke that left him partially paralyzed. This ended most of his favorite activities and he began his brave journey for the rest of his life. He lived at home with Jennifer’s care until 2017, then moved to Highland Ridge Nursing Facility in Dublin.
He kept his mind active with the computer, TV, phone, and watching his bird feeder until he succumbed to various serious ailments.
Now, Wyly, born on Valentines Day, will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him and admired his courage and determination to get through another day of pain. Now he is at peace.
