Robert Michael Jones, Sr., or "Mike" as he was known to most, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2015. He was a faithful reader of a print copy of The State newspaper each day and therefore would not want you to read something that is traditional, but one expressive of his unique personality.

Mike loved living his life with his beloved wife, Nell Fleming Jones, and was heartbroken when she passed away in 2001. He was a devoted husband and father to Michal Hope (Shannon) Brandon of Columbia, SC and Mike (Ashley) Jones Jr of Oakway, SC. He often joked when asked what he wanted to be called by his grandchildren, Savana Nell Jones and Finnian Giles Brandon. His eccentric response was always "seldom." Despite his sometimes ornery nature, Grandpa Sr., or Da, truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, although the standing family joke will always be "that's why I travel alone."

And travel he did… Mike's journey began on Lamar Street in Columbia on December 7, 1943. He was the youngest son of John Phillip and Frances Elizabeth Jones, who predeceased him. He attended local schools, graduating with honors from Eau Claire High School in 1962. He enjoyed basketball, reigned as a ping pong champion, and excelled academically as a member of the National Honor Society. He and his future wife graduated together but never dated in high school. Mike then went on to earn his BA in English at USC, and while working in West Columbia at a printing company, he fell in love with a girl named Nell while umpiring softball games in Earlewood/Eau Claire. After proposing at her parent's home, Iverson & Frances Fleming, they married and settled in northern Richland County (Cedar Creek/Blythewood area). Then they traveled together; to beaches and mountains, Blythewood and Richland Northeast High baseball/softball games, Richland Two orchestra concerts, church socials at Mt. Pleasant UMC, family BBQs, Boy Scout events, and on through life's adventures as partners and parents.

Once Mike retired from Colonial Life (Unum) as a graphics artist, he spent a lot of time on the road, traveling from Columbia to Clemson & Oakway, SC, Gatlinburg, TN, and Tybee Island, GA where he spent many winters waking up to the sunrise over the ocean on 19th Street. He will be missed by Blythewood, Oakway, and Tybee locals alike. Mike loved his time on earth and though a solitary man, he was wise, eccentric, caring, devoted, observant, intelligent, and nature loving. He lived a simple life without technology (except for a flip phone) trying his best to avoid the maddening rush of today's society.

Mike has been reunited with the love of his life in heaven and his spirit rests in the mountains of Tennessee and the sand dunes on Tybee. Farewell and we'll finish the Sunday crossword puzzle for you each week. Your hummingbirds, deer, rabbits, fox, cardinals, indigo buntings, kitty, family, and friends miss you dearly. Mike's advice to us all would be to slow down and enjoy the moments, cherish your family and love constantly. He is survived by the above mentioned children & grandchildren, James Fleming (brother-in-law), Eric Fleming (nephew) and lifelong family friends, Janet Ford & Lenore Dupee of West Palm Beach, FL. In addition to his wife, parents, and in-laws, Mike was also predeceased by a great-nephew, Ryan Fleming.

A memorial service will be held 4:30 o'clock, Tuesday, October 6th at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 736 Camp Ground Rd, Columbia, with visitation immediately following. The family would like to thank Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, for their assistance during this time.