“

His greatest pride and joy was his family.

Kenneth Eugene Jones, “Hootie,” age 69, of Cave Spring, GA passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday August 8, 2026 following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on March 2, 1957 in Bainbridge, Maryland and was raised in Hinesville, GA. Kenneth, “Ken,” later made the Rome, GA area his beloved home where he made an indelible mark on countless lives.

Ken’s journey through life was guided by service, dedication, and a deep sense of respect for his community. He began his career in 1976, at the young age of 18, with the Cartersville Police Department. He served in the Patrol Division as well as mastering his first dog in the K9 Unit. In 1980, he transferred to the Rome Police Department where he served for six years, with a brief leave to work for the State of Georgia Division of Youth Services as an Investigator. He returned to RPD in 1988 where he continued to advance his career in many different roles: Patrol, Detective, S.W.A.T, Rome Task Force, and Bicycle Patrol. Ken also enjoyed taking on extra jobs and volunteering whenever he could. He worked security detail for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta; participated in multiple Police and Fire Olympics; carried the torch in running for the Special Olympics, to name a few. Ken’s distinguished career with the Rome Police Department is remembered by many. He retired in 2014 and reminisced on his days on the force fondly.

Beyond his career in law enforcement, Ken’s passions were as vast as his heart. He was dedicated to fitness and being an outdoor enthusiast. He was an avid long-distance runner, mountain biker and road biker. One of the highlights of his life was participating in BRAG (Bike Ride Across Georgia). He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and riding horses. Upon his retirement, he became passionate about singing karaoke and spent many nights entertaining his family and friends with classic country songs. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He adored his dogs - Kati Jo and Jacko - and settling down with a nightly bowl of ice-cream.

While Ken’s accomplishments were many, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jody Jones, to whom he married on June 9, 2007. His legacy continues through his three daughters: Heather Jones Meier (Thomy) Canton, GA; Mallari Anne Jones (Clint) Quitman, TX; Matti Danielle Ogletree (Fletcher) Albany, GA; all of whom carry forward the compassion, strength, and integrity that Ken instilled in them. “Stay on the sunny side of life” was his most repeated phrase to his daughters and is providing peace, strength and hope even in his absence.

Ken leaves behind three dearly loved siblings: two sisters, Nancy Jones Rogers (Chad) and Traci Jones Ledford, both of Cave Spring; a brother, Tim Jones (Leila) of Americus, GA. He cherished his role as “Pappy” to Aiden Kenneth, Sawyer Ethan, Benjamin Chase, Grayson Stefan, Easton James, Noah Hudson, Lydia Hope, and Sarah Ella, who brought immense light and laughter to his later years. His nephew and nieces—Trey Paul (Olivia), Jaime Duck (Wayne) and their children Brantson, Bella & Blair, Chelseanne Ledford, Hannah Jones and her son Lockeston, and Haley Jones (Bryan) and their children Ellie & Noble—will also remember "Uncle Hootie" for his humor, warmth and guidance.

Ken’s life was shaped by the tender memories of his late parents, Warner Eugene Jones and Ann Lucille Pierce Jones, and his loving sister, Deborah Lynn Jones, who preceded him in death.

Through every stage of his life, Ken personified strength, duty and love.  His colleagues, friends, and family will remember the way he lifted others up, offered encouragement in times of need, and faced challenges with humor and positivity. The city of Rome, GA and all who knew him mourn his passing but celebrate a life lived with honor and joy.

A Celebration of Life will take place at The Vogue in downtown Rome on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Address: 247 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either of the following:

Community Criminal Justice Foundation, Inc. c/o Evie McNiece 302 E 3rd Ave Rome, GA 30161

Rome for the Rescues: 175 Shoals Ferry Rd Rome, GA 30161

Care of Officer Jones has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.