William Sidney "Sid" Jones III, 75, of Kennett, Missouri, passed away on August 8, 2026, at Piggott Hospital.

Sid was born on April 19, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late William Sidney “Bill” Jones, Jr. and Willa Dean Gatewood Jones. Raised in Kennett, he attended Kennett schools and graduated from Kennett in 1969. After high school, Sid studied at Central Methodist College for two years.

In 1971, Sid joined the United States National Guard as a military policeman. During his 27 years of service, he served his country in locations including Panama and Saudi Arabia and during Operation Desert Storm. His military service also gave him opportunities to pursue his lifelong passion for photography.

After returning home, Sid worked in the family business, Jones Oil Company. In the 1980s, he began a long career with the Daily Dunklin Democrat, working under Jack Stapleton. Sid photographed local people, news, and events, developed his own work in the darkroom, and produced photographs for the newspaper's advertising department. In 1987, he took on the additional role of sports editor, and in 1989, he became the staff photographer. At one time, he was even the circulation manager. In 2004, Sid began driving the truck for the Town and Country inserts, delivering them to the Town and Country customers as well as to the Portageville newspaper. After approximately 30 years with the Daily Dunklin Democrat, he retired on March 30, 2016.

Known for grabbing his camera bag and chasing a story to capture the best possible image, Sid especially enjoyed sports and action photography. His talent took him to many places, and his work appeared on several magazine covers. One of his photographs, featuring Senator John Ashcroft playing the piano, appeared on the cover of Oil Jobbers magazine.

Sid married Michele Terry Jones on July 27, 2002. He attended the Slicer Street Church of Christ. He loved photography, movies, and watching the birds at his feeders. He had a gift for laughter and loved making others laugh, proudly earning his reputation as the "King of Cornyness." A Mel Brooks movie was always sure to make him laugh so much you couldn’t hear the movie. Above all, Sid treasured being Ava's Papa more than anything in the world.

Sid is survived by his wife, Michele Terry Jones of Kennett, MO; his son, William Sidney "BJ" Jones IV of Los Angeles, California; his stepson, William Hinton of Kansas City, MO; his granddaughter, Ava Sidney Lee Jones, and her mother, Victoria Jones of Los Angeles, CA ; his brother, retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel William R. "Rusty" Jones and his wife, Carol; his nephew and wife, Jeff and Kate Jones; his bonus grandchildren who called him “Siddy”, Oliver and Hannah Lyles of Kennett, MO; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sidney “Bill” Jones, Jr. and Willa Dean Gatewood Jones.

Sid will be remembered for his devoted military service, his remarkable eye for photography, his love of family, and the laughter he brought wherever he went. His photographs preserved countless moments for his community, while his warmth and humor created memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday, August 22, 2026 at McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett. Funeral Services will be 12:00 PM at the Chapel in Kennett. Jay Lyles officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett, Missouri.

Memorials can be made to Slicer Street Church of Christ or the Kennett Humane Department. Arrangements are under the direction of McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett.