AT JONES Hardware, the scent of fresh-cut lumber pairs with the excitement of shopping for hardware supplies, making it the perfect destination for first-time movers, demolition projects, or do-it-yourself home improvements. Shelves overflow with nuts, bolts, and every gadget imaginable to fix a leaky faucet or a broken tractor. Harold Jones smiles and greets a young couple browsing paintbrushes. This seemingly ordinary exchange holds an extraordinary story, representing the strength and inspiration our veterans bring to our nation, even after their service.
Jones was born and raised in Franklin County, where he developed a deep understanding of the area’s fertile soil and rich agriculture scene. He comes from a family of hard workers who taught him the value of strong work ethics early on.
“My daddy was a farmer, my mother worked in a factory, and I worked on the farm,” he explained.
After finishing his education at Huntland Schools, he realized that he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life farming. He started working at a hat factory in Winchester and continued there until he was drafted into the military in October 1966.
Jones’ professional career began in the fields of Vietnam. He was drafted at the age of 25, a far cry from the life he envisioned on his family’s farm. The military sent him to Fort Campbell in Kentucky for basic training, Fort Dix in New Jersey for his Advanced Individual Training, and Fort Hood in Texas for his assignment.
After three months, he received orders to go to Vietnam. Upon arrival, he was stationed with the United States Army, Vietnam Special Troops at Long Binh as a military driver’s license issuer for his tour.
His new job across the country was a world away from the small-town lifestyle he knew. Day in and day out, Jones ensured soldiers navigating the treacherous landscape of Vietnam had the permits needed to operate the fleet of vehicles keeping the war effort moving — jeeps, tanks, and massive eighteen-wheelers.
The experience was a rude awakening. Witnessing the struggles of people in a war-scarred country instilled in Jones a profound appreciation for the life he had back home.
“If we could all see what people have going on in other countries, how they live, and what they suffer from, we wouldn’t do some of the things we do here in the USA.”
He saw firsthand the value of a nation where safety, security, and opportunity weren’t privileges but a birthright. This newfound appreciation, coupled with the natural skills in mechanics he learned on the farm, ignited a fire within him.
After returning home, Jones secured a job at Knies Hardware in Winchester, where he worked for over six years. At Knies, he was responsible for ordering pipe fittings, bolts, nuts, electrical supplies, and other hardware items. Jones had a great time working for Mr. Alf and Cottam Knies, who were wonderful people. While working, he also attended Motlow College, where he majored in business and attended classes twice a week. The entrepreneurial spirit that had simmered within him during his service time finally bubbled over. In 1969, with grit, determination, and passion, Jones took a chance. He bought his first hardware store.
He successfully operated the hardware store from the same location for four fruitful years. However, he realized that it had outgrown its original location, and he made the bold decision to purchase what was formerly known as Oran Walker Hardware in Huntland in April 1976. The business has stood the test of time for 48 years and counting, making it the oldest hardware store in the county. With optimism and gratitude, he hopes to continue serving the community for another 50 years with the Lord’s blessings.
Jones and his wife, Tina, have a daughter named Joy, who graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. Joy works at the store full time and continues to expand her hardware knowledge and skill set.
Harold’s success wasn’t built overnight. He spent long days and nights reviewing inventory, restocking items, and overcoming the constant challenge of staying ahead of big box stores. But he persevered, treating every customer with the respect he believes everyone deserves.
Understanding the importance of community, he sponsors local baseball teams, donates tools to the high school shop class, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need.
Jones Hardware has helped customers all over the county by providing the right tools to complete their projects, fixing leaky pipes, and bringing their dreams to life with a hammer, a box of nails, and a wealth of knowledge from a lifetime of experiences.
Upon meeting Harold Jones, you can sense his pride in having served his country while building a fulfilling life and continuing to make a positive difference, one interaction at a time. GN
