William George “Rock” Jones was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on November 24, 1946, to Lillian B. and Clemmie C. Jones. He was the eldest of four children: Janice, Clemmie C “Sunny Boy,” and Irving. Rock graduated from Rahway High School in the class of 1965.

In July of that year, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went to boot camp training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Rock graduated in October 1965, with the rank of Private First Class. After the Infantry Training Regiment (ITR) at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, he was ordered to the Republic of Vietnam for a thirteen-month rotation. Rock was a sharpshooter and received medals and awards, including the NAACP Armed Services Award, for his skills and service. After being honorably discharged, his career path included different jobs before retiring from Delphi Battery in New Brunswick, NJ.

Anytime he stepped out, Rock was wearing his ‘Nam’ paraphilia. Every year, he dedicated his efforts to going to “The Wall” in Washington D.C., and he and his platoonmates connected in remembrance of their time in Viet Nam. He was truly proud and honored to have served his country.

Following retirement, Rock developed a love for travel. This passion took him to many places across the globe, including, Australia, Atlantic City, Oklahoma City, and Las Vegas.

Rock was a devoted Pittsburg Steelers fan. In 2020, he became the Patriarch of the Brick Mob Steelers. For decades, he was a faithful member at the James E. Mackie Post 499 where he served as First Commander, Second Commander, Third Commander, and Sergeant-At-Arms, for three terms and served as the Post Bar Chairman. Rock was a lifelong member of the Freak Patrol Motorcycle Club. He was also a member of the Second Baptist Church of Metuchen.

In 1970, Rock met Janet Reese (Burch), who had three children of her own.  He fell in love with Marcel, Shonda, and Della.  In 1973, Rock and Janet welcomed a baby girl, Catrina “Geeba”. In the following year, Rock had a son, William “Willie”. Later in life, he acquired a stepdaughter, Aylishia Evans. Rock met Iona Jones, and they were married in 2005 until her premature death in 2014. From their union, Rock gained a host of nieces and nephews.

During COVID, Rock fell in love with Linda Wyche. During their courtship, they decided that they were each other’s “Booba-Loobas”. In 2023, they got married, and he acquired an additional set of bonus children, Tara and Shelton.

His children gave him several grandchildren, and his grandchildren gave him great-grandchildren. He was determined to know everyone’s order of birth and birth dates. Every year, he would send birthday and Christmas cards to all his grands. He was an ever-present grandfather who participated in many activities and made countless investments to show his support.

Rock was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lilian Freeman Jones and Clemmie C. Jones, Sr.; his cherished siblings, Irving Jones, Clemmie C. Jones, Jr., and Janice (Jones) Newson; his treasured daughter, Shonda (Reese) Alexander; and his lifelong best friend and “brother,” Wayne Jordan. He leaves to honor his memory his devoted children: Marcel Reese of Oklahoma City, OK; Della (Reese) Williams and wife Petrell of Austin, TX; Catrina (Jones) Hodge and husband Alexander III of Oklahoma City, OK; and William Calloway, Sr. and wife Kathryn of Columbia, SC; as well as his bonus children, Drs. LaDerrick & Tara Bullock of Sicklerville, NJ, and Shelton Wyche of Loganville, GA. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica Jackson, Anthony Merricks, Justin Alexander, Lashay Hodge, Mikaela Campbell, Devin Campbell, Daylan Easterling, William Calloway, Jr., Jhanea Riley, “Malachi Doe,” Ava Calloway, Liam Calloway, bonus granddaughter Jada Wyche, Aaron, and Madison Bullock. His joy extended to his great-grandchildren: Samuel Battle, Jr., Mikel Battle, Khalil Alexander, Kamia Alexander, Isaiah Mask, Marc Hardee, Zahir Hodge, and Shonda Johnson. He also leaves behind his goddaughter, Samiyah McFarlane, along with a host of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his love, wisdom, and laughter.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family