George Francis “Snoozy” Jones—now, there’s a name you don’t forget. He was a fixture in Alabama’s sports and academic circles, and he passed away on July 6 at 91.
People knew him as a football line coach, a bookstore owner, and a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Jones left a mark—no question about it—on the people and places he cared about.
Early Life and Education
He was born December 24, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama, one of six siblings. His parents, Lillian Mae Schmitz Jones and Reginald Bryan Jones Sr., raised him there.
Sports came naturally to him. At Sidney Lanier High School, he played football and stood out enough to land a scholarship to Virginia Tech.
He sharpened his skills at Virginia Tech, but later graduated from Huntingdon College with a teaching certificate. Guess he always had an eye on giving back.
High School Coaching Career
Jones kicked off his coaching days at Bellingrath Middle School in Montgomery. He coached football, basketball, and track—pretty ambitious, right?
His teams racked up wins. In 1961, he returned to Sidney Lanier High School to coach track and field and help out with football and basketball.
Lanier’s track teams, under his watch, snagged two outdoor state championships, one indoor title, and a cross-country win. He also helped the football and basketball teams secure several state championships.
Founding of Snoozy’s College Bookstore
In 1983, Jones and his wife Sarah Agatha Cauthen, along with their kids, opened Snoozy’s College Bookstore on 11th Avenue South. The place quickly became a go-to spot for textbooks, UAB gear, and alumni apparel.
For 34 years, Snoozy’s served the UAB community. Jones retired in 2017, and the bookstore eventually closed its doors, but the family’s retail spirit didn’t fade.
Snoozy’s Kids, a toy store opened by his son George Jr. in 1988 in Crestline Village, Mountain Brook, carries on that legacy. It’s a little different, but the heart’s the same.
Contributions to High School Sports
Jones wasn’t just a coach. He co-founded the Mid-State Alabama Officials Association to support high school sports officials.
He officiated a ton of high school and college football, basketball, and track events. In 2012, they put him in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Well deserved, if you ask anyone who knew him.
UAB Football Line Coach
His time at UAB wasn’t just about books. Jones was the university’s first football line coach when they started the program.
He helped lay the groundwork for a program that’s still respected today. Even after coaching, he kept volunteering—he was often the starter at state high school track meets.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jones married Sarah Agatha Cauthen on March 22, 1956. They were together for 65 years, until Sarah passed in 2021.
Their family continues the tradition of service and dedication. Looking at Jones’s life, it’s clear—one person really can make a difference in so many ways.
Conclusion
George Francis “Snoozy” Jones lived a life packed with achievements and, honestly, a lot of heart. He started out as a high school athlete, but that was just the beginning.
Later, he wore many hats: coach, official, and even bookstore owner. Through it all, he managed to touch countless lives—maybe more than he ever realized.
His legacy? It’s still felt today, especially by those who knew him or just happened to cross his path. If you’re curious and want more details, the full article’s up at AL.com.
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