Services for popular local musician Gary Jones will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Jones, a Metropolis native, died Saturday. According to WSIL-TV, Jones died after having health problems that began in April, 2014. He was diagnosed with leukemia a short time later.
Jones, who was 66, was well known as part of The Gary Jones and Joe Stanley Band, and spent two decades performing in local bars and venues. Jones was known in the Nashville music scene with stints as backup musician, and was also an accomplished studio musician who wrote and produced numerous commercial jingles for local and regional businesses.
Recording engineer George Cumbee said he started working with Jones in 1973, and they did "tons and tons" of recordings, trying to make the best music they could. "We all started young, and were learning together. He and Joe Stanley, his music partner, and I got to be really close friends. We fought and fussed, but we worked hard, and we really made some great music," Cumbee said.
Cumbee said he was extremely proud when his friends were chosen to go on the road to back up country music singer Dan Seals. "I couldn't have been prouder of them, because I felt like they really earned that," Cumbee said.
Cumbee said Jones was a "happy-go-lucky guy" and always tried to look on the bright side of things. Although he hadn't seen Jones in the last few year, he will miss his old friend.
Interment will be in Fountain Cemetery south of Marion.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the family to assist with expenses; memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Pastor Bill Wiggs will officiate the funeral.
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