Hubert S. "Rabbit" Jones, 92, died at home on Saturday, October 5, 2024 under hospice care with his loving girlfriend, Katy Layne, by his side.

Hubert was born on May 7, 1932 in Laing, West Virginia to the late James Jones and Comora Washington Jones.

He attended Wake Forest Junior High in Laing, WV before graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in London, WV.  Immediately following high school graduation Hubert enlisted and served three and a half years in the United States Air Force.  After an honorable discharge from the USAF, he enrolled at West Virginia State College completing a four year Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Education in just three years.

Hubert was the first African American hired by Chicago based America Fore Insurance Group as a Statistician in an Administrative Capacity.  After working there for five years, he moved back to West Virginia, and was the first African American hired working for two and a half years as an Auditor and Revenue Agent for the Business and Occupational/Gross Sales Tax Division.  He was the first African American hired into management by the Chesapeake and Potomac telephone Company of West Virginia from where he retired after 25 years as Manager of Internal Auditing.  Hubert was the first professional Auditor in the State of West Virginia to become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). He used these skills as an Auditor for the Bureau of Employment Programs and the State of West Virginia.  While working these jobs, Hubert developed an Internal Audit Program and trained Auditors in Internal Auditing, Safety, and Security. He was not only an Auditor, Hubert was a gifted musician with the Bass Violin.  He has recorded and played music on radio and television, in nightclubs, and at schools and churches. Hubert was the first African American musician to have a Symphony Chair named in his honor, "West Virginia Symphony's principal Bass Violin Chair".  He also worked in the recording studio as the "In House" Bassist in Salem, Virginia. While Hubert was very busy with his work and music, he found time to serve as Notary Public, was a member on the Auditor OIC's Board of Directors, and served in the capacity of advisor to the Business Administration Department at WV State College.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 57, American Federation of Musicians, Local No. 136, and was a past member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Left to remember Hubert are his son, Hubert S. "Sparke" Jones, Jr (Michelle); daughter, Angela Jones; grandchildren, Tiffany, Tracey, Devon, Cameron, and Myia; great-grandchildren, Tiara, Taevion, Tajai, Nila, Skyla, Kye, and Kamelo; along with his special daughters, Lavern Ray and Taundra Rush-North; and special son, Dr. Thomas Rush.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Charleston with the Reverend James Jackson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Donal C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.

Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please, consider donating to: Mack Reed's 10th Annual Christmas Party at the Rand Community Center at 5701 Church Drive, Rand, WV 25306 or HospiceCare at 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25387.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net