A little mischief and a lot of laughter, compassion, and love left our world on August 12th. Dwight Hilliard Jones passed away peacefully at age 81, surrounded by his loving family.

Dwight was born on May 11, 1945, at old Rex Hospital to John Ryal Jones and Gracie Horton Jones. He was the second of the four Jones boys. He attended Millbrook High School where he was known for his occasional mischief and slicked back hair. Dwight always credited finishing 12th grade at Millbrook to the tutoring and help he received from his high school sweetheart, Connie Ricks. He married, Connie, the love of his life, on October 24, 1964, and settled in Raleigh where they raised their two daughters and have enjoyed over 61 years of marriage. After several years of owning and operating a convenient store, Dwight spent many late nights, early mornings, and long days hauling fresh produce and selling it on the NC Farmer’s Market for over 50 years. He was known on the market, in his church, and amongst family for his generosity, tender-heartedness, and yes, his loyalty to the UNC Tar Heels, a devotion proudly displayed on his license plate - DHJ4UNC.

He and Connie took countless trips to the various mountains along the Eastern US, often visiting orchard owners who were, not only his vendors, but his friends. He also had the joy of traveling to the Bahamas, Switzerland and Italy. Dwight’s favorite days, though, were the ones he spent with his family at the beach fishing, eating seafood, playing ladder golf or swinging the Tiki toss with the grandkids and watching the sunset. In his later years, Dwight continued to light up every room with his smile and his easy sense of humor, adored by his Springmoor friends and wonderful caregivers. He met every challenge with grace and courage, and never stopped giving thanks for God’s abundant blessings. His joy, humor, and love leave a legacy that will carry on in all who knew him. One in a million, and already missed.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Doug Jones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Jones; daughters, Laynette Rustin (John Rustin), Crystal Wilson (Rodney Wilson); grandchildren, Amelia Rustin Li (Kevin Li), Grant Wilson, Jordan Rustin (Megan Rustin), Lauren Wilson; brothers, Billy Jones (Betty Jones) and Don Jones (Debra Jones); sisters-in-law, Pat Kelley and Janet Carter; brothers -in-law, Ronnie Ricks and Ken Ricks; cousin, Susie Jones and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Springmoor Auditorium (North Side), 1500 Sawmill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026. In honor of Dwight’s love of all things UNC, the family requests that you consider wearing Carolina Blue.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS MAY BE GIVEN TO: Springmoor Endowment Fund or Transitions Life Care