In Loving Memory of Roger Fay Jones: 1940-2023

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In the early morning hours of Jan. 26, 2023, Roger Fay Jones passed peacefully in his home. He was 82. 

Roger was born on June 14, 1940, in Red Bowling Springs, Tennessee. Roger was the oldest of five siblings and was always the “big” brother to them all. 

Roger was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 at the age of 25. He was transferred to Fort Lewis in 1966 and he was shipped off to Vietnam in September of 1966 to serve his country. Roger was a sergeant in the 87th transportation company. He received a commendation for having his company travel over one million miles without an accident, a huge feat under the circumstances. 

Roger returned to Yelm, Washington in 1967 after completing his tour in Vietnam. Roger quickly became well known for his work ethic and worked at various jobs to include working at Kenworth. 

Roger later started working with a local excavation company in Yelm and eventually purchased his own bulldozer and truck and started his own excavation company that he called “Roger’s Bulldozing.” It was a business that he used to support his large family. 

Roger was a very skilled heavy equipment operator and had special skills operating a bulldozer. His reputation quickly grew in Yelm and the surrounding area regarding his operating skills and his ability to get the job done right the first time. He expanded his business over the years to include several different sized bulldozers so he could complete bigger jobs. 

Roger eventually retired from his excavation business and sold all his equipment. He still loved the work and would on occasion work for local excavation companies to include his good friend Dale Wood to keep busy before fully retiring. 

In retirement, Roger enjoyed traveling in his fifth wheel and motor home and spending time with his friends and family. Roger also enjoyed having breakfast at his favorite place, Jim Bob’s in McKenna, where he would often meet and visit with his many friends. 

Roger is survived by his partner, Janice Smith; sons, Kevin (Jennifer) Jones, Glenn (Becky) Larsen and Jeff (Connie) Jones; daughter Leia (Scott) McMullan; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and Ronnie Jones, sister Sue Jones, son Kurtis Jones and daughter Glenna Larsen. 

A celebration of life for Roger will be held at the Yelm Eagles at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023. All are welcome to attend.