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Denver Smokey Jones was the son of the late Shelby and Gladys Lawson Jones of Daisy. He was a graduate of Leatherwood High School and served as Security Officer for the Perry County School System. His years as an official were recognized when he was inducted in the Referee Hall of Fame. Survivors include three sisters, Velma Helton of Rogersville, Tennessee, Linda Johnson and Jean Asbury, of Bulls Gap, Tennessee. Locally, he is survived by two cousins, Bonita Logan and Zanna Griffie, both of Cornettsville.
Smokey was 3 years older than me. When he graduated from Leatherwood High School we were sure going to miss him. Alas, he showed up when school started the next school year. He was helpful to all the faculty and staff, especially the athletic department. He loved people and sports, it's not surprising that his life was full of both. Darius (Buckeye) Roark, Seymour, IN I remember Smokey, he was killer. I talked to him all the time when he was at the alternative school as the guard. He always talked about sports and helped me out. You will be missed Smokey. Josh in Hazard. Uncle Smoke always had a joke or a great story tell us from his sports travels. I have listen to them many times sitting in Granny's living room during Christmas. I will truly miss him and those great stories. I love you and hope to see you in Heaven some day. Kevin Helton, Rogersville, TN Thank you for your kind words of Smokey. His love of sports was his life. My sisters and I will always remember them. Velma Helton, Rogersville, TN Smokey was the best uncle in the world. I will always be proud to be his "Bulls Gap Bullpup". Stephanie Asbury Estep, Whitesburg, TN Smokey was a icon. He will truly be missed. Thanks for all the kind words. He was always the best he could be and he was good to my niece, Heather Benton. I will see you again some day. Until then, rest in peace my friend. Dwayne Wooton, Wooton, KY
He was a nice man. The things that he said to you on and off the field were always comical. He loved the mountains and the young men and women he worked with. God bless he and his family. Wendell Combs, Danville, KY He was a friend of mine. I will miss him so very much. Rest in peace my dear friend. Pat Gayheart, Ary, KY I remember when my niece was first learning to play. She didn't understand that you had to dribble the ball. He would always try to explain to the little kids how to get the ball in. No matter where he saw us he would go out of his way to speak and ask about my niece and her ball playing. He will truly be missed. Anonymous |
Smokey
was one the most colorful people that you would ever meet, but he loved
sports and the people in and around it. I know he would truly appreciate
the Tribute and the kind words from your station. Smokey was truly
a Legend in the mountains and will be missed by a lot of people. There
will only be one Smokey Jones just like there is only one WSGS.
Again Thank You. Smokey was more than my friend, he was my mentor
as a official. He believed in me as a young 19 year old baseball
umpire to put me in some tough 14th Region games early in my career.
He allowed me to umpire a game in the regional baseball tournament my
2nd year. He loved to referee and loved being around the kids you
could tell. He is truly a Mountain Legend and was well deserved to
be inducted into the Ky High School Baseball Hall of Fame back in 2000.
He gave me a lot of referee advice over the years and I tried my best to
follow what he told me. I too was inducted into the KHSBCA last
year and gave him a lot of that credit. I hope he knew how much he
meant to me. Rest In Peace My Dear Friend, I'll See You Again.
Tim Cornett, Winchester, KY