Larry D. Jones
SURRY—Larry Donnell “Coach Bear”Jones, died Dec. 26, 2008.
Coach Bear was born in Suffolk, to Lenora White Jones and the late John Edward Jones on July 21, 1952, and joined the East End Baptist Church at the age of eight.
He attended Suffolk Public Schools and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970.
He continued his education at Virginia State (College) University where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, modest phi modest, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and served as president of the Student Christian Association. While at Virginia State (college) University, he also designed and painted the original Trojan heads that are still seen on campus today.
In 1974, he graduated from Virginia State (College) University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education and a minor in mechanical drawing.
He later received his master’s degree in industrial arts education and supervision and earned an endorsement in administration and supervision.
His work experience began in the early 1970s with A.C. Spark Plug in Flint, Mich., as an assistant construction engineer. While attending Virginia State (College) University, he served as the athletic director for the Baptist Children’s Home in Petersburg.
After graduation, he served as an industrial arts instructor at John F. Kennedy High School in Suffolk. While there, he started the local chapter of the American Industrial Arts Student Association (AIASA).
After working at John F. Kennedy, he became employed by the Surry County Public School System where he worked for 33 years and served as the advisor and founder of the local AIASA chapter, which would later be known as the Technology Student Association (TSA).
During his tenure, he taught computer construction, drafting, computer-aided design and video production.
He also taught adult computer classes. During his teaching career, he served as defensive line football coach, football statistician advisor, football and basketball game announcer and the clock keeper for basketball.
Coach Bear made many accomplishments during his professional career, some of which included numerous teacher of the year awards, advisors awards for TSA, and outstanding leadership and service awards. Coach Bear had a special place in his heart for his students and the Technology Student Association (TSA) of which he served as advisor and mentor for his entire teaching career to the sum of 34 1/2 years.
His students were highly motivated and worked diligently to accomplish that to which “Coach Bear” inspired.
Under his leadership, the TSA traveled to many conferences and garnered copious state, regional and national awards.
He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Pearline P. Jones; his daughter, Shaline Bailey (Larry) of Newport News; and two grandchildren, Chianti LaRaye and Criset Psalm Bailey; a loving mother, Lenora W. Jones of Suffolk; a brother, Elliott C. Jones (Dorothy) of Virginia Beach; a special cousin, Laverne Brockington of Franklin; and a host of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Surry, today at 1 p.m.
Interment will be at Saint Paul Holiness Church Cemetery.
In memory of Coach Bear, individuals are encouraged to make contributions to the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.
Poole’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.