Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
On Thursday, August 10, Senator Bart Williams and members of the G. Louis Jones family dedicated a portion of Mississippi Highway 12 in his honor.
During the 2022 Legislative Session, Senate Bill No. 2003 was signed into law, designating a section of Mississippi Highway 12 located in Oktibbeha County, beginning at Sturgis-Maben Road in Sturgis, and extending one mile east to Sturgis-Louisville Road in Sturgis, is designated and shall be known as the "G. Louis Jones Memorial Highway" in memory of the late former Police Chief Granvel Louis Jones of Oktibbeha County.
G. Louis Jones was born on February 5, 1948, in Sturgis, on Craig Springs Rd. His dedication to service started early on as he served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam.
After serving in the military, Jones returned home and committed his life to the protection and service of his community. He served as the Sturgis Chief of Police for 30 years, from 1973 to 2003, and he was deputized by the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years during that time. He was also one of the founding members of the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department and served as a first responder for 20 years.
A proud member of Sturgis Masonic Lodge #365 since 1972, Lewis was also a dedicated Shriner, participating in charity work and community outreach. For many years he served as the Booster Club President for Sturgis School, and for 14 years, he navigated the roads as a bus driver.
Jones was a MSU Bulldog fan and worked security for the games for many years. Off the field he was a member of the Sturgis Baptist Church.
Upon retiring from the police force, he launched a painting contracting business.
Louis was a dedicated family man, married to Gaye Swindle Jones for 53 years. Together they raised three children; Tammy, Jim and Mandy. G. Louis Jones died August 12, 2022.
