William Pryse “Booge” Jones of Lexington, KY died April 3, 2017. He was born at home on February 7, 1925 in Beattyville, KY to William Lewis and Lillie Strong Jones.
After graduating from Lee County High School, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky in 1942. His studies were interrupted in 1943 to serve in the US Army in Europe in WWII. He fought in four of the five major battles of the European Theater. After his honorable discharge from the army, he returned to the University of Kentucky to pursue his studies. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and a pitcher for the UK baseball team where he lettered. He served on the board of directors of K-Men and was chosen K-Man of the year in 1980.
In 1948 Booge returned to Beattyville to work with his father in the Ford automobile dealership. Booge’s father started the dealership known as Beattyville Motor Company in 1921. Booge purchased the dealership from his father in 1960, at which time it became Booge Jones Ford, and closed it in 1991. He and his father sold automobiles to the people of the area for 70 years. At the time the dealership closed, it was the oldest Ford dealership in Kentucky. He served for many years on the Cincinnati District Ford Dealers Advertising Committee.
In 1958 Booge married the love of his life, Huda Bingham. They had three children.
He was also active in the community where he was past master of Proctor Lodge #231 F & AM, a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He was past president and 50 year plus member of the Beattyville Kiwanis Club where he served on many committees. For his favorite committee, he coached little league baseball and basketball for approximately nine years. He was a member of the Beattyville City Council, VFW, American Legion and chairman of the Lee County Development Board and Draft Board.
After retirement, he and Huda moved to Washington, DC, Naples, FL and Lexington, KY. To age 90, Booge enjoyed many hours playing tennis and bridge at Naples Bath and Tennis Club and The Vineyards.
In addition to his wife Huda, he is survived by his daughter Lita Dyer Jones (Warren) Wright of Gatlinburg, TN and son Thomas Pryse (Amy) Jones of Beattyville. Two grandsons: William Bingham (Lauren) Wright of Morgantown, WV and Thomas Walker Jones of Beattyville.
He was preceded in death by his son George Parnell “Pick” Jones, his parents and his younger brothers Elliott, John Paul and William Lewis, Jr.
Pallbearers are Steve Evans, Keith Combs, Bill Hillman, Tommy Lutes, Gary Brewer and Mark Carroll .
Honorary pallbearers are Jackie Gross, Heber Dunaway, Billy Paul Stepp, William Abner, Jr., Bill Steele and Charlie Combs.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the George “Pick” Jones Memorial Fund which helps children in need. Donations may be sent to the Beattyville Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 212, Beattyville, KY 41311.