Royal "Maurice" Jones, 82, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, November 10,2019.

A native of Macon County, Mr. Jones was the son of the late Fred R. and Mary Alethia Buchanan Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose Mary Clement Jones and two brothers, Tom Jones and Larry Jones. Maurice graduated from Clemson University and then went on to receive his master's and PHD from Maryland. After graduating, he received a Fellowship to teach in Iran, returned to teach at the University of Alaska, UGA and John Hopkins University, then returned to teach 32 years at Western Carolina University.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Hicks Jones; a son, Greg Jones of Franklin; two stepsons, Patrick Kimsey of Hiawassee, GA and Thomas Kimsey of Gainesville, GA. Eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends also survive.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17th at Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Danny Burch and Rev. Terry Dixon will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hospice House Foundation of WNC, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744 or the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/donate.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.