Gleaton P. Jones

Gleaton Pace Jones of Albany, Georgia, was born on March 12, 2003. The absolute pride of his adoring parents and best friend to his younger brother, his presence in their family was enormous. Gleaton passed peacefully into the hands of his Heavenly Father on December 13, 2024, and his life will be celebrated to the fullest extent at Wynfield Plantation on Monday, December 16, at 2 pm. Attendees should dress casually in their jeans, boots, and camo. The celebration will be one to honor Gleaton and to glorify the God who created him. The Reverend Robert Green will officiate. Assisting pastors will be Thad Haygood, Wesley Marshall, and Scott Stanfill. 

Gleaton was an active member of his youth group at Porterfield Methodist Church where he played the guitar and was instrumental in helping create their youth band. He served others through many mission trips in Miami, the Bahamas, as well as assisting in local storm relief efforts, but these opportunities served him equally as they nourished his faith and commitment to his fellow man. This commitment to serve led his youth pastor to nominate him to attend the Student Leadership University. He was also an enthusiastic member of his local YoungLife chapter where he particularly enjoyed his Grillin and Chillin small group and memorable trips to Colorado and Sharp Top where he enjoyed wonderful Christian fellowship through the years.

Gleaton’s Southwest Georgia roots ran deeply. 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. Whether in the mountains skiing with family or taking countless hunting trips with friends, he made cherished memories and found pure joy in taking in the blessings of the outdoors with those he loved. 

Gleaton was a four-year Honor Graduate of Deerfield-Windsor School and a proud member of the Class of 2021. He held one of the top averages in both Math and English and distinguished himself in the classroom, but perhaps his mentoring role to 5th graders as their “Junior Buddy” was his greatest contribution to younger students. Teachers explain that if there was ever someone that personified “Their smile could light up a room,” it was definitely Gleaton. Faculty members describe him as the perfect pairing of both serious and playful, and having a knack for bringing laughter when needed. By all accounts, his kind demeanor and great attitude made him so much fun to teach, and he was well-known for his respectful and positive influence. A celebrated athlete in both football and track, he was dedicated to the success of his teams. Coaches tout that putting his team before his individual achievements made him a great leader and one that commanded respect from younger players. He was an All-Region football player, selected to the GISA All-Star team, team captain, and a member of the 2019 State Champion track team. His coaches remarked that whenever they needed something done, he was happy to take the responsibility regardless of the pain and discomfort it might have caused him. His work ethic and training commitments were the example and benchmark for his teams, and his coaches respected how he carried himself when leading his teammates. 

Upon high school graduation, Gleaton became a preferred walk-on for the University of Georgia football program where he continued making memories with more beloved teammates through the game he loved so much. Gleaton was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He cherished their bonds as brothers, as well as, each and every memory they made together. He was to graduate next spring from The University of Georgia Terry School of Business with a degree in marketing and was looking forward to returning to Albany to join his father in running their family farm.

Aside from sports and hunting, Gleaton’s greatest passion was that of his younger brother, Cole. Of all of his talents, he excelled most as a brother. His adoration was vast for Cole, and he was so proud of all of his accomplishments both personally and athletically. He cheered and supported Cole and his teammates as they experienced their dream season by winning their football state championship. Always looking forward to Cole’s visits to Athens, he took pride in introducing him to his college friends. To Cole, Gleaton was a role model, a mentor, a protector, his biggest encourager, and his best friend. They shared the same walk, twinkling eyes, bright smiles, and a respect and devotion that is unique to brothers.

Gleaton lived life to the fullest and emoted joy and enthusiasm in every endeavor. 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. 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. 

Gleaton is survived by his parents Marlin and Kirk Jones; his brother, Cole; his grandparents Linda Fain and Earle Spurlock and Mary Jones; aunts and uncles, Fain Spurlock Ginn (Brian) and Keith (Catherine) Jones; and cousins, Kayla, Topher, Pace, Martin, Ford, and Townsend. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, William Keith “Billy” Jones, Sr.

There are so many blessings to be thankful for in the multitude of love, support, and prayers given to Gleaton’s family and to all that loved him. Truly, your prayers have shouldered their burdens that were too much to endure alone. 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, and they are forever grateful. The family would also like to thank the clinical staff at Sacred Heart Ascension Hospital for their care, knowledge, and guidance in this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation in memory of Gleaton to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon building fund -https://gabetacampaign247.causevox.com/ or to Sacred Heart Ascension Hospital.https://www.givesacredheart.org/.

Gleaton's service will be streamed live on Mathews Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mathewsfh/.