GATES – Marvis Gatling Jones, Sr., 93, of Sentara Village in Virginia Beach, VA, and formerly of Gates, died Monday, September 16, 2013.

Mr. Jones was born in Gates County and was the son of the late Gatling Oliver and Amanda Jordan Jones.

A retired farmer, logger, pulpwood contractor, storekeeper, and rural paper carrier for the Virginian-Pilot, he was a member of Gatesville Baptist Church, and had formerly been a member of the Gates Ruritan Club, the Gates Volunteer Fire Dept., and the VFW.  He attended the Civilian Conservation Corps in Manteo in 1938-1939, and while there portrayed a soldier in the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony.  A veteran of World War II, he served in the 5th Army, 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Division, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, saw action in the European Theater, and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 55 years, Louise Blanchard Jones; infant twin children, John Burton and Harriet Beverly Jones; his son, Kim Blanchard Jones; his daughter-in-law, Barbara Fowler Jones; his brother, Bradford Jones; and his sister, Iva Jones White.

Surviving are his daughter, Norma Jones Reavis and husband, Johnnie, of Virginia Beach, VA; his son, Marvis Gatling Jones, Jr. of Suffolk, VA; a grandson, John Christopher Reavis of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister, Malene Jones Parker of Suffolk, VA; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, by the Revs. Cody Brinkley and Billy Presley. Burial will follow in the Blanchard Family Cemetery.  Friends may join the family Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.