Former University of Georgia running back Gleaton Jones died on Friday, Dec. 13, following a car crash on St. George Island, Florida. He was 21 years old.
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According to the University of Georgia student-led newspaper, The Red & Black, Jones was on a hunting trip when the crash occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 10. He sustained a severe brain injury and underwent emergency surgery to relieve swelling.
Although he had remained hospitalized following the operation, the former football player succumbed to his injuries days later.
Gleaton Jones attended Deerfield-Windsor School in Georgia before heading to the University of Georgia to study marketing. He was a walk-on and part of the 2021 national championship team.
He was set to graduate this spring and planned to work on his family’s farm.
“Gleaton lived life to the fullest and emoted joy and enthusiasm in every endeavor,” the obituary for Jones read. “For such a tender age, he created a full life for himself and for others by investing deeply in his family, friends, fraternity, and service to others through his growing faith. Known by his closest friends as ‘Gleat,’ he was described as simply joyful and magnetic.
The obituary also revealed, “There was no room big enough that his bright light was unable to fill. By all accounts, he was well-liked, popular, and charming, but even more so, humble, kind, empathetic, and personable – making his friends feel loved and important. His light-heartedness and joyful disposition could lift others to happiness, and his listening skills often gave peace of mind and encouragement.”
A Memorial Service for Gleaton Jones Will Be Held on Dec. 16
Gleaton Jones’ memorial service will be held this Monday, Dec. 16, at the Wynfield Plantation in Dougherty County, Georgia.
“Attendees should dress casually in their jeans, boots, and camo,” the obituary read. “The celebration will be one to honor Gleaton and to glorify the God who created him.”
The Reverend Robert Green will officiate. Thad Haygood, Wesley Marshall, and Scott Stanfill will also be assisting pastors.
Jones’ family further thanked those who supported them through the devastating loss.
“The Albany community, the Deerfield-Windsor School community, and the families and members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity have poured so much love and encouragement into their lives,” the obituary noted. “And they are forever grateful.”
The family also added how much Jones loved the state of Georgia. “Gleaton’s Southwest Georgia roots ran deeply,” the obituary added. “A lover of the outdoors, he was an avid hunter and had a sincere interest in and appreciation for God’s creation. As a child, he would talk about his love of tractors and wanting to farm like his daddy and granddaddy.”
Gleaton is survived by his parents, Marlin and Kirk Jones; his brother, Cole; his grandparents, Linda Fain, Earle Spurlock, and Mary Jones; aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, William Keith “Billy” Jones, Sr.