Indian Land, SC – Mr. William Ray Jonas passed peacefully with family on October 26, 2023. A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Friday, November 3, 2023 at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd, Rock Hill SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Born in York County, SC, Bill was the son of the late William Calvin Jonas and Ollie McAbee Jonas. He was a devoted husband for 65 years, loving father, and grandfather. As a young man, he served honorably in the US Army in Germany after WWII, as part of the Big Red 1. Later in life, he was blessed to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington DC to honor veterans. Bill was very proud of his military service and supported the American Legion, and local first responders.
After his military service, Bill returned home and married the love of his life, Edna Laws Jonas in 1954. They worked hard, traveled, and lived carefree for 16 years before being surprised by the birth of their son, Brian. He also served as a fireman and Fire Chief for the Newport Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Bill later retired from Celanese in Rock Hill after 37 years where he was the Plant Safety Director and Fire Chief.
Upon retirement, Edna and Bill enjoyed spending their time on Lake Wylie, and at Sea Cabin located in Cherry Grove SC. Bill enjoyed fishing tremendously, especially at the beach. He and Edna could frequently be found surf or pier fishing whenever possible, especially in their younger years. Many wonderful memories were made with family and friends in these places. When their grandson was born on Edna’s birthday, they returned from the beach to spend more time locally with family and friends at the lake and in Sun City (Indian Land). One could always count on Bill’s welcoming smile and laughter.
Bill is survived by his son, Brian Jonas and daughter-in-law, Kim Jonas; grandson, Mason Jonas of Pineville NC; sister, Betty Jean Jonas McCarter of Clover SC and a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Laws Jonas and brother, David Jonas.
Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and loving caregivers and nurses who cared for Bill while at home, and at Wellmore of Tega Cay.
Condolences may be made to the Jonas family at greenefuneralhome.net.