The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Murphy Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin Dies at 81
He served as the retailer’s secretary and treasurer, and loved spending time outdoors and being with his family.
William Murphy Jones Jr. was born Jan. 11, 1936 to William Murphy Jones Sr. and Dorris Nolley Jones in Hamburg, Arkansas.
He graduated from Hamburg High School in 1954, according to an online obituary, and also was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Order of The Arrow and attended a Junior Conservation Camp to learn about fishing, hunting and living outdoors.
He college education started when he entered into a co-op program with Georgia Tech, in which he would work three months at Crossett Paper Mill in Arkansas and go to school for three months.
Jones married Marguerite “Sissy” Robinson in 1957. They had two children Mary Virginia (Ginger) Jones Cheatham and William (Bill) Murphy Jones III.
In January 1958, shortly after marriage, Murphy and Sissy moved to Atlanta, where he finished his degree at Georgia Tech.
He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and obtained his electrical engineering degree with honors, accepting a job with AP&L, which later became Middle South Services (Entergy), in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
While he was at Entergy, he worked as an electrical engineer for the distribution company ESCOM in Johannesburg, South Africa, for five years.
When he returned to Arkansas, he rejoined the family business, Sissy’s Log Cabin, as its secretary and treasurer, becoming an important part of the company’s advertising and marketing team as the store expanded.
Jones was past president of the Arkansas Antiques Association, an active member of various jewelry associations and a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church for more than five decades, where he served on the board of trustees.
He also was a previous board member of the Salvation Army, Kiwanis and Rotary Club, a longtime sponsor of Babe Ruth Baseball league at Taylor Field and sponsored the Torii Hunter Baseball Foundation Scholarship at UAPB in Pine Bluff.
He loved nature and the outdoors--including hunting and fishing at the Split River hunting club--and spending time on his back patio watching and feeding birds and tending to his flowers.
Most of all, he cherished his family and loved life and people.
Jones was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
He is survived by his wife, Sissy; daughter, Mary Virginia Cheatham; and son, William M. Jones, III; brother, Barry Crisman “Cris” Jones; two sisters, Charlotte Virginia McKiever and Angela Nolley Shelton; and his nine grandchildren.
The family asks that anyone who would like to leave a memorial consider donating to Lakeside United Methodist Church at 1500 South Olive, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71601; the Salvation Army; or the baseball program at Taylor Field, P.O. Box 6654, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611.
Condolences can be shared on Jones’s online memorial page.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.