Eddie Lee Jones, artist extraordinaire, affectionately known as E'lee was born in Gould, A R on November 21, 1945 to Mary Marshall Jones and Lawrence Jones. He departed this life on April 22nd, 2021 in Little Rock, AR.
Eddie attended school in Gould, Arkansas and was a graduating member of Fields High School class of 1965. After high school, he attended Arkansas AM&N College and Malcom X College.
In 1969, Eddie joined the United States Navy and he was a proud Navy Veteran. He was honorably discharged in 1975.
Eddie was also a member of Thomas Chapel in Gould, Arkansas. His true passion was art. As a result, he worked as a sculpture apprentice from 1978-1982 in Chicago, 1L. He worked with renowned artist Richard Hunt and helped with some of Richard's most prestigious works such as the Spirit of Freedom Fountain in Kansas City, MO.
In the 1980's and 1990's, Eddie would often create artwork to display in the front yard, for all to see during Christmas. Inside his home was often various pieces that he created himself and in his spare time he would create and sell headstones for those in the Gould and surrounding communities. Not only could Eddie create a colorful masterpiece from any palette, but he could also create a tasteful masterpiece for any palate.
Those that knew him, knew that he could throw down in the kitchen. One of his most requested dishes was for his delicious gumbo but his barbecue ribs with his homemade barbecue sauce was also a favorite!
In addition to cooking, fishing was one of Eddie's favorite pastimes. He loved to fish and took joy in taking his kids and grand-kids fishing.
Eddie had a personality that would light up a room. He never met a stranger and he treated everyone with dignity and respect. During his illness, the nurses and doctors would commend him on how kind he was and that he was great patient. Everyone on the floor knew and looked forward to meeting "Mr. Jones".
In all of Eddie's great accomplishments, nothing was more important to him than that of being a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved all of his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. He would often brag on them to anyone that would listen. He encouraged and supported them through all of their endeavors and would often say "Do what makes you happy". He left a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
Eddie is predeceased by his mother and father, sister, Juanita Bradley and daughter, Sharita Norah- Evans.
Eddie is survived by his two daughters, Lashun Samuels of El Dorado, AR, Alici a Windom (Efrem) of McKinney, TX , his 4 sisters; Betty (Albert) Bolton and Queen Esther Reams both of Chicago, IL , Stella (Jerry) Bailey and Ethel Hunt both of Gould, AR. 1 brother; Willie Jones Sr. of Pine Bluff, AR, 7 grandchildren. Jewel en, Lasmine, Anecia. Edwin, Zachery, James and Amaya, 4 great grandchildren, Aubrey, Josiah, Kasyn & Kyrah, with 2 more great-grandchildren on the way; Baby Stewart and Kingston Lee who will have the honor of having his great grandfather's middle name, a special friend; Inez Sanders of Little Rock, AR, and a host of other family and friends to cherish his memory.
