Willie L. Jones

   Mr. Willie L. Jones, affectionately known as Yogi, departed this life on October 2, 2025 at the age of 81. Born on July 29, 1944 to Louise Brownlee Jones and Willie Hogans. Yogi's life was greatly impacted when his mother remarried, and his step-father, Willie McNeal , welcomed him warmly. Yogi was a beloved son, brother and friend whose life was marked by loyalty, family and wisdom.

   Yogi accepted Christ at a young age and began his spiritual journey at Piney Gove Methodist Church. His faith flourished at the Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Hot Springs, AR under the nurturing guidance of Elder Maurice Williams. A proud graduate of Langston High School, Yogi embrace new horizons by moving to California, where he was lovingly welcomed by his beloved Aunt Pinkie and became a cherished big brother to his cousin, Valerie Pellum (Titus).

   His dedication to serving others was exemplified through his service in the U.S. Army. He drafted during the Vietnam War, Yogi trained at Fort Bliss, TX and Fort Polk, LA before bravery serving as an infantryman and Light Truck Driver in Pleiku, Vietnam. Remarkably, he was reunited with his brother James Jones while deployed, and the two remained inseparable, even sharing a foxhole while in combat. They continued providing strength and companionship to one another.

   Yogi's love for family was evident in his role as a devoted father. He often shouldered the responsibility of guiding his younger siblings, ensuring they felt supported and cared for. His annual visits to Arkansas were eagerly anticipated, sparking friendly debates among his sisters over who would have the honor of cooking for him first. A proud Razorback, Yogi's love for his Arkansas roots was unwavering.

   Yogi was a man of many passions, each of which he embraced with a zest that was truly inspiring. Known as the "domino king", his strategic mind and keen eye made him a formidable opponent in the game he loved so much. Beyond the domino's table, Yogi's hands were often busy under the hood os a car, where his love for mechanics allowed him to fix and tinker with ease. His loyalty extended to his favorite sports teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Western Films were another Yogi's cherished pastimes, transporting him to a world of cowboys and frontier adventures.

   In his later years, Yogi was lovingly cared for by his grandson. Kijuan T. Randall. Kijuan's devotion knew no bounds, ensuring that Yogi's days were filed with comfort, love, and respect, making every moment precious for the man who had given so much to those around him. Yogi was a cherished family man whose presence will be dearly missed by many who loved him.

   He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his sister Peggy Babb, his daughter Sandra Kay Babb, two grandsons, Tyrone McAfee and Paul Thornton Jr., and his devoted wife of 29 years, Ruby Jones.

   Yogi leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with four daughters: Josette Jones (Los Angeles, CA), Tameka Clay (Joseph - Indio, CA), Felicia R. Milian (Ted - Fontana, CA), and Lakisha Lee (Virginia Beach, VA).

   He also held a special place in his heart for two sons he loved as his own, Robert L. Thornton Jr. (Victorville, CA) and Paul Thornton Sr. (Angela - Highland, CA).

   His family includes 28 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. Yogi is also survived by four sisters: Nellie Todd (Willie) of Marshall, TX; Mary Reed (Sylvester) of Virginia Beach, CA; Norma Williams (Elder Maurice Williams of Mt. Pine, AR and Yvonne Skinner (Jearl) of Longview, TX, along with two brothers, James Jones and Kenny McNeal, both of Hot Springs, AR. His charisma, sharp attire and laid back demeanor will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.