Edwin Lee Jones

Captain Edwin Lee Jones, III, MD, USCG, 72, of Hollywood, SC, passed away on July 18, 2017, at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital in Charleston, SC.

He was born September 7, 1944 in Jacksonville, NC to the late Edwin Lee Jones, Jr, and Lucille Finch Jones, of Charlotte, NC.

Edwin grew up in Charlotte, NC. He attended Charlotte Country Day School in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from Duke University with a BS in chemistry and he received his medical degree from Duke University Medical School. While attending Duke University Medical School, he met the love of his life, Donna Merck, of Greenville, SC. They married on December 20, 1969 and spent 47 wonderful years together. He did his residency in pediatrics at Baylor University Medical School in Waco, TX, where he was Chief Resident for 2 years. Following his residency, the US Public Health Service employed him and he spent the majority of his time working in clinics on Native American Reservations. The family continued to move with his work to various states; Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota. He loved being a healer and knowing he made an impact on his patient's lives. He especially loved seeing his patient's years later and hearing how their lives turned out. One of his favorite phrases was God heals, the Doctor takes the fee. After leaving his position with Native American Health Services, he was transferred to the medical clinic at Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, VA, where he worked for 5 years in general pediatrics. Rather than continue with the navy and be stationed away from his family, Edwin left the US Public Health Service. He entered private practice at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA. While there, he was the Head of Pediatrics and especially enjoyed his time teaching medical students. He was again offered a position with the US Public Health Services at the US Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater in Clearwater, FL. He was a flight surgeon and the Chief Medical Officer. While there, he attained the rank of Captain. He was then transferred to US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. He was responsible for reviewing incoming applicants medical histories, as well as reviewing cases for medical discharge. In addition to his duties at headquarters, he worked in the medical clinic at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD, because he loved working with patients. After 29 years with the US Public Health Service, he and Donna retired to Charleston, SC to be closer to their family.

They became members of The First Baptist Church of Charleston. Edwin loved attending Sunday school and church, singing in the choir, and participating in the hand bell choir. He even took singing lessons for a couple of years to strengthen his voice. Donna loved hearing him sing and said, He has such a beautiful voice! Edwin had a strong desire to share the gospel. His songs and his stories were Celebrations of Life. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4.

Edwin was a man who was dedicated to living life. He saw each day as a clean slate. He loved adventure, laughter, and, most especially, his family and friends. He didn't allow anyone to give up. Edwin was always the first to ask how a person was doing, comment on a new haircut or outfit, or express concern over an injury or illness. He was an avid runner, proponent of healthy living, turtle wrangler, and an amateur geologist and astronomer.

Edwin was also a man of limited inhibitions. Rules didn't necessarily apply to him. He could be found parked on the side of the road anywhere looking for rocks. He would explore areas that said Do Not Enter and be completely unashamed when asked to leave the area. He loved to pick up various items when he was out running. Edwin loved learning and exploring the world around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; daughter, Emily April (Jonathan) Whiting of Adams Run, SC; two sons, Casey Lee (Helen) Jones of Ravenel, SC, and Jason Quincy (Stella) Jones of Asheville, NC; his grandchildren, Tyler and Kaitlyn Whiting, William Jones, Cassidy and Ozzie Jones; three brothers, Samuel Finch (Babs) Jones of Greensboro, NC, David Gilchrist (Sue) Jones of Linville, NC, and John Wesley (Lucy) Jones of Fayetteville, NC and sister, Annabelle Jones Link of Greensboro, NC; and twelve beloved nieces and nephews.

His Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, July 22, 2017 in The First Baptist Church of Charleston, 48 Meeting Street at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends in the Church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Per Edwin's request, please no funeral clothes. Please come in casual, comfortable attire. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Handbell Choir at First Baptist Church of Charleston, 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401.