Robert A. Jones

Robert (Bob) Arthur Jones age 54 of Maryville has passed away and went to be with his Lord Jesus in Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a member of Broadway Baptist Church. Bob was a long time restaurant operator in this area. He operated the Alcoa Western Sizzlin' Restaurant in 1977 and was promoted to district supervisor where he was responsible for overseeing 7 other Western Sizzlin' operations. In 1988, he and his Father-in-law, Earl Whaley, Sr. opened up a 350 seat buffet restaurant called Robert's Steaks & More. In 1992, their restaurant converted to a full service casual dining theme and the name was changed to RJ'S Courtyard to reflect the new decor. In 2005, the restaurant remodeled extensively again and updated the name to Courtyard Grille. He enjoyed working with his entire family in the restaurant operation and watched his 5 dear children grow up in the family business. He worked in the restaurant until August of this year when the horrid disease of cancer made him too weak to work the 12-hour daily shifts he was used to working his whole life. Bob had so many employees and customers that grew to love him over the years and he will be greatly missed by them all. He was a wonderful father, son, grandfather, employer and a true friend to all who knew him. His father, Hershel Arthur Jones and a brother, Jerry Bolton, preceded Bob in death. Left to miss the warmth and comfort of his presence and humor are his 5 wonderful children who took care of him and nurtured him daily during his long battle he had with cancer. He lived for his kids and looks forward to seeing them again in Heaven one day. Daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Jones Effler and husband Charlie Effler of Maryville, TN; Daughter and son-in-law, Katherine Jones Foutch and husband Jason Foutch of Smyrna, TN; Daughter, Sherry Michelle Jones of Knoxville, TN; Son, Matthew Robert Jones of Maryville, TN; Daughter, Jessica Bethany Jones of Maryville, TN; Grandchildren, Douglas Luke Headrick of Maryville, TN and Emma Caroline Foutch of Smyrna, TN; Mother, Betty Jo Jones of Maryville, TN; Brothers, David Bolton of Lafollette, TN and Alan Jones of Maryville, TN; Former Father and Mother-in-Law, who were like 2nd parents to him, Earl and Barbara Whaley, Sr., Former Sisters-in-laws, that he worked with for almost 20 years and were the sisters that he never had, Nancy Whaley Haire and Beverly Denise Whaley. Former brother-in-law, Earl R. Whaley, Jr.; Former wife of over 20 years, mother of his 5 children and best friend in the world who stood by his side till the end, Debra Whaley McLain and her husband, Bill McLain. Funeral service will be at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006 at Smith Mortuary, Maryville. Dr. Robert Brown and Dr. Tod Zeiger will be officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 10:00 a.m. Friday morning at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa. Pallbearers are David Bolton, Alan Jones, Luke Headrick, Charlie Effler, Jason Foutch, and Bill McLain. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Trinity Chapel, Smith Mortuary, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert A. Jones please visit our Sympathy Store.