By Kyle Martin
The Augusta Chronicle
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta-Richmond County firefighter Antonio Jones was buried Thursday after a tearful funeral that hailed him as a “servant of the community.”
The pews at Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel at Paine College were packed shoulder to shoulder with firefighters in dark blazers and light-blue shirtsleeves.
They stood in respect as the family filed in and stopped at the casket draped with an American flag. The Rev. John Harmon said it was a testament to the “unique bond” that exists not just in Augusta, but in fire departments across the country.
“It’s evident in the number of people who came to celebrate his life,” Harmon said.
Jones, 45, was on duty Saturday at Station No. 19 on Brown Road in Hephzibah when he suddenly felt ill. He took emergency medical leave to visit his doctor that afternoon and later died at the hospital of an apparent heart attack.
He was a 20-year veteran of the department, a husband and father of four children.
Fire Lt. Melvin Harris said it made his heart hurt that his best friend has died, but his heart was filled with joy to see all of his brothers and sisters in the fire department come out for a show of solidarity.
He was followed by Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who officially declared Feb. 3, 2011, a day of mourning in the city and praised Jones for his “legacy of kindness, generosity and love which will endure for years to come.”
The Rev. L.J. Tanksley delivered the eulogy and urged the congregation to remember that death was not the end for Jones.
After a death “our hope is replaced by hurt, which is intensified by the belief that death is stronger than life,” Tanksley said. “But death belongs to God.”
After the service, more than 100 firefighters lined the long sidewalk outside the chapel under a cold, gray sky. A bagpiper slowly led the honor guard down the sidewalk, followed by the pallbearers.
They were met at the street by Chief Howard Willis, who saluted the casket as it was reverently lifted onto the back of fire engine No. 19.
Copyright 2011 Southeastern Newspapers Corporation
All Rights Reserved