Thomas L. Jones

Thomas L. Jones, age 86, passed away peacefully August 27, 2017, at Hospice of West Alabama.  A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Thursday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Tuscaloosa with Rev. Michael Bailey and Rev. James Goodlet officiating and Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home directing.  Visitation will follow in the Pat Faucett Family Life Center of the church. He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Rev. Veachel Jones; his sister, Ruth Jones; and his brother, Emery E. Jones, all of Greensburg, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shelley; one brother, Joseph M. Jones of Campbellsville, Kentucky; nieces Ann Druary of Houston, Texas, Dana Jones of Nashville, Tennessee; nephews Byron Jones of Nashville, Tennessee, and Thomas E. Jones of Greensburg, Kentucky; Goddaughters, Marla Parks and Shelley Parks of Tuscaloosa, Alabama who brought him much joy and love to his life. Tom was born in Garfield, Kentucky and moved at age 2 to Greensburg, where he grew up as the youngest of four children.  After four years serving his country in the United States Air Force, he entered the University of Kentucky, receiving his B.S. degree in 1959 and Juris Doctorate degree in 1961. He was awarded the Master of Laws degree from the University of Michigan in 1965.  He joined the University of Alabama Law School faculty in 1962 and retired in 1995 after having taught and mentored two generations of Alabama law graduates. He was a Fellow of the American and Alabama Bar Associations and held memberships in both the state and local Bar Associations.  Tom served on the Executive Committee of the Association of American Law Schools and was a life member of the American Law Institute.  He was a Life member with 50 years of service representing the State of Alabama as a member of the Uniform Law Commission.  His peers elected him Vice President of the nationally prestigious group of legal scholars and practitioners. One of the contributions he was most proud of as a commissioner was being instrumental in the writing of the Uniform Probate Laws used throughout the country today. His service to the University of Alabama extended beyond the Law school as he was called upon to serve in several posts including Acting Dean of the Law School, Faculty Chair of Athletics and in the Legal Dept. of the University Systems Office. At First Presbyterian Church, Tom serviced as a Deacon and Elder and as chairman and active member of many committees.  He was a faithful member of the Faith Sunday School class. Tom served as President of the University Club Board and was a charter member of the Greater Tuscaloosa Kiwanis Club.  For 50 years he was a member of the Alabama Credit Union Board serving as chair at the time the present Main Branch was built. Tom enjoyed very much his weekly luncheon with friends in the Romeo Lunch Group. He looked forward to the Wednesday morning breakfast group at Rama Jama and the gatherings of the Apollo Club with great friends. Tom never lost sight of his real reason for being a teacher.  He endeavored to get to know students while they were in Law School and to stay in contact after they became practicing attorneys.  He followed their successes and comforted them in times of personal tragedies.  Former students would often consult with him about legal issues and he would willingly assist them through the complexities of an issue just for the joy of making them better.  For 55 years, his love for and appreciation of the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community motivated him to strive to “give back” for all that had been given to him.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Past and Present Faculty and Staff of the University of Alabama Law School, Past and Present Board members of the Alabama Credit Union, members of the Faith Sunday School Class and Romeo Lunch Group. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be given to the following: The Thomas L. Jones Endowed Scholarship, University of Alabama School of Law Foundation, P.O. Box 870382, Tuscaloosa, AL  35487 Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL  35404 First Presbyterian Church, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Secret Meals for Hungry Children c/o Alabama Credit Union, P.O. Box 862998, Tuscaloosa, AL  35486