Loved ones attend funeral service for former Meck. Co. manager

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On a day bursting with the promise of spring, almost 1,000 people, including many of Charlotte’s past and present leaders, gathered to say goodbye to the man who led Mecklenburg County for 12 years.

Memorial donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Eyewitness News anchor Erica Bryant interviewed Harry Jones several times over the years.

She had been the first to interview him after he was forced out of his post as county manager.

In a statement over the phone, Jones' family said they're grateful for community support during his five-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Click Play to hear statement from Jones' family:

The sanctuary at Little Rock AME Zion Church in uptown Charlotte was filled with music and tears Monday as Harry Jones’ family, friends and co-workers shared memories and lessons from his life.

Jones died Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer that he said redefined his life after he left his job as Mecklenburg County’s first African American manager

He served as county manager from 2000 to 2013.

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio sent Channel 9 a statement about Jones' death:

"Harry was a dedicated public servant, good friend and mentor. I truly appreciate everything he did for the community and the confidence he showed me."

“He has made an indelible mark in this county, on this city, in this country and indeed the whole world,” said Rev. Dr. Dwayne Walker, pastor of Little Rock AME Zion Church.

Harry Jones Jr. described his father as someone who lived to serve.

“Ladies and gentlemen, that is his legacy. A legacy of service,” he said.

But Harry Jones had said his life really began in late 2011, when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Walker said, he was a man of persistent hope who lived out his faith to the end.

“Even when pain came into his body. Nevertheless, he persisted,” Dr. Walker told the congregation.

“I'm so glad Harry Jones never lost hope. He kept his hope until his last breath.”

But it was Harry Jones himself who spoke most clearly and calmly about his fight with cancer.

“I will continue to fight my battle each and every day. Harry Jones will fight,” Jones said in a message that had been recorded months earlier, which was played at his funeral.

In the end, he gave his own farewell message, one of hope and peace.

“I'm not a wealthy man, but I'm a fulfilled man because of what I've had to endure and I'm proud of what we've accomplished in this community,” his recording said.

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