Prieston Jones

Mr. Prieston Jones, age 86, of Trenton, FL, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland. He was born September 20, 1937, in Trenton, to Wade and Elsie (Sheffield) Jones. Prieston was a lifelong resident of Gilchrist County and a 1957 graduate of Trenton High School. He furthered his education by obtaining certificates from Florida State Fire College in Ocala, FL. He served as the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief from 1971-1976. In 1975 he founded Jones & Son Fire Extinguisher Service. Inc. In 1976, he founded A-1 Pest Control, Inc. He was owner and president of both companies until 2010 when he transitioned to role of CEO for both. During his professional career, he was a founding member of The Florida Fire Equipment Dealers Association. He also served with The State of Florida Fire Exam Committee, Florida Pest Control Association, and was the 2000 recipient of State of Florida Businessman of the Year award. Prieston was a member and past master of the W.T. Carlton Masonic Lodge #46 in Trenton, and member and past president of Suwannee River Shrine Club in Trenton. Outside of work and service to his community, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, bird hunting, and working hay on the farm. He was a member of Hardeetown Baptist Church in Chiefland.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Vincent Jones, Doyle Jones, Robert Jones, Dan “Corky” Jones, Russell Jones, and Lois Howard.

Prieston is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Wanda (Newman) Jones of Trenton; his children, Pattie Sue (Johnnie) Pendarvis of Chiefland, Wilda (Max) Long of Chiefland, Charolette (Norman “Moni”) Boling of Pace, FL, Lena (Wayne) Weatherford of Chiefland, Karen (Sammy) Webster of Chiefland, and Justin (Karen) Jones of Branford; his grandchildren, Rodney (Chelsea) Watson, Rhett Watson, Claudia (Casey) Gunnells, Chelsea (Carl) Shouppe, Megan and Ashton Weatherford, Justus and Carson Jones, Kyle (Kori) Pendarvis, Kalyn (Daniel) Jerrels, Trey (Racheal) Webster, and Sami Jo (Johnathan) Hatch; 15 great grandchildren; and his sister, Myrtle (Jim) Scruggs of Trenton; numerous extended family also survive.