Michael Jones

Michael Hilton Jones, age 83, died peacefully on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Abilene, Texas. He was a Professor of Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for 42 years. Prior to that position, he worked for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, the EPA, and one year as visiting faculty at North Carolina State University, where he earned the Bachelor's, Master's and PhD in Aeronautical Engineering. He was born to Grover and Blanche Perry Jones on July 1, 1934 in High Point, NC and was the third of four sons. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Powell, Perry, and Roger, and by his wife Lela. He married Lela Mae Cagle on June 7, 1958. He was a faithful and loving caretaker for his wife, who was ill for many years. An engaging and beloved professor, Dr. Jones served as the UTC's College of Engineering and Computer Science Director of Freshman Engineering, a volunteer coach of UTC Men's and Women's Track and Cross-Country Teams, and the Director of Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, and Industrial Engineering. It was under his leadership that the Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering programs received program approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Council and obtained their first program accreditation from the Accrediting

Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). Better known as "Tennessee Jones," Dr. Jones received over 20 internal and external awards for his outstanding teaching, served as UTC's Faculty Representative to the Southern Conference, and led the campus's efforts to establish a student chapter of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He was also a member of Red Bank Baptist Church where he was active as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member since1975. His warmth, sense of humor, hospitality and compassion were evident to all and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his son Michael, Jr., daughter-in-law Jill Schasre Jones, and grandchildren Alyssa, Derek, Brandon, and Analeigh Jones. At the end of his life, while looking back on his career, he often said, "I got to do what I wanted to do, and I got to do it for a long time." The memorial service will be held at Red Bank Baptist Church on July 14 at 2 PM, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Chattanooga Foundation to benefit the Michael Jones Annual Scholarship. Contact Caleb Whitted at UTC.

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