Founder of Jones Ford dies at 88

Cadwallader "Quaddy" Jones, founder of Jones Ford, died Wednesday. He was 88.

Friends said that Jones, who had Alzheimer's disease, was in hospice care recently and he died at home.

A well-known and widely respected business leader, Jones opened the Ford dealership at Rivers Avenue and Remount Road in North Charleston in 1967.

He retired in 1992, passing the reins on to his son-in-law, David Walters.

Jones was an avid runner, participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run until he was in his early 80s. Jones and his wife, Lucy, were regulars on the road-racing and triathlon scene well into their 70s. Several years ago, Jones and his wife began riding a tandem bicycle around Sullivan's Island after both suffered minor injuries that kept them from being able to run.

Jones was a 1942 graduate of The Citadel, a former director of First Federal Savings and Loan Association, a past president of the North Charleston Rotary Club and a former chairman of the Charleston USO board.

In 1981, Jones was honored by the Charleston Elks Lodge with an award for his patriotism. His name was familiar to readers of the Charleston newspapers' editorial pages as he was a frequent writer of letters to the editor.

He also held executive positions in state and local automobile dealer associations.

Ron Hoover, who founded a number of local auto dealerships, said he knew Jones through the dealers association.

"I've known him ever since I came to Charleston," Hoover said. "That's about 45 years. He was always a gentleman, a very nice person."

Jones was a longtime member of Church Creek Reformed Presbyterian Church, west of the Ashley, where he was serving as an elder emeritus.

Jones' pastor, the Rev. John Olson, said he first met Jones more than 30 years ago.

"My wife and I used to own the West Ashley Bible Book Store," Olson said. "We started attending Church Creek Presbyterian in 1978 or 1979. He was there. He was an elder and he was teaching the new member classes and teaching Sunday school."

Olson said Jones sang in the choir and was a very active member.

"Even into his advanced years, he would consistently come to church," Olson said. "He's an excellent example of what a Christian man should be. We'll really miss him."

Arrangements are being handled by Stuhrs' Downtown Chapel.

Reach David W. MacDougall at macdougd@postandcourier.com or 937-5655.