 The George Jones Scholarship Award is presented annually by the Vine Ingle Little League to a graduating high school senior who plans to attend college and who played baseball as a twelve year old at Vine Ingle. The award of $2000 is presented in memory of George Jones who started as a coach with the League in 1958. This scholarship was set up in 1999 to honor him and to assure that participants in the League for years to come will know about the contributions of this incredible man. The award is funded by the League and by numerous generous contributions made to the League by friends and admirers of Mr. Jones.
Interested eligible seniors should contact Jimmy Braswell at 471-8488 for information on how to apply for the scholarship.
Who was George Jones?
George was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on February 28, 1920, and moved to Macon in 1922. He attended Alexander II and Winship grammar schools, Lanier High School, and Mercer University. He went to work at Robins Air Force Base in February, 1942, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. He retired from Robins in 1972 with 31 years service. When the City of Macon bought Freedom Park in 1972, George was hired to supervise and develop it as a recreational area. He served as director until 1975.
George’s association with Vine Ingle Little League began in 1958 when he helped coach the "B" team Orioles to second place with a 10-6 record. In his 22 years as a coach, which included 17 years at Vine Ingle and 5 years with teen-age baseball, George established himself as an outstanding coach and competitor. His teams came in first place eight times. He coached the major league Red Sox at Vine Ingle for ten years.
George was president of the League in 1971, and served in numerous other capacities on the board. He was best known for his role in the creation of the Instructional League in 1980. He was in charge of equipment and uniforms for many years, looked after and maintained fields, sought better ways to structure the League and make it more fun for the boys, started the concept of using teen-agers in the umpire program, and performed many more tasks too numerous to list here. He was a mentor to league presidents and board members and a source of inspiration and wisdom to countless young people and adults.
George was a member of Ingleside United Methodist Church where he was also very active. He served as Youth Director, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Administrative Board.
George passed away on March 20, 2004 and the City honored Mr. Jones by passing a resolution creating the George Jones Sports Complex at Freedom Park. George is missed by all at Vine Ingle.
Major Awards Given to George Jones:
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1976 Outstanding Service Award from Macon-Bibb County Recreation Dept
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Service to Sports Award from Macon City Hall of Fame
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1978 Twenty Year Service Award from Vine Ingle Little League
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25 Years of Service recognition from District 5 Little League; Fields Named in his honor
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Senior Adult Volunteer Award from City of Macon
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Outstanding Service to Youth Award from Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
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1984 Volunteer Award from Georgia Recreation & Parks Society
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Service to Mankind Award from Sertoma International
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1992 Book of Golden Deeds Award from Exchange Club
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Flag flown over Capitol in Washington D.C. in recognition of 40 years of service to youth
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Man of The Year from 5TH District Little League
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Commissioners Citation for 40 years of service to youth by Bibb County
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April 7 proclaimed "GEORGE JONES DAY" in Macon in recognition of 40 years of service
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