N.C. Department of Correction--Correction News--August 1997

W.K. JONES RETIRES AFTER 32 FULFILLING YEARS

By Patty McQuillan

Raleigh - The soft-spoken, no-nonsense, sensitive and compassionate superintendent of Wake Correctional Center, W.K. Jones, retired June 30.

Those were just a few of the adjectives flying at Jones’ retirement luncheon June 24 at Balentines’ Cafeteria.

Asst. Secretary Lynn Phillips said, "W.K. has been like a mule pulling a full load for a long time. He’s been steady and reliable. I fully expected him to die at his desk, he loved his job so much. He endured a lot of change, but he never altered his style so that whoever came to his prison left better off. There’s no telling how many inmates were affected by his care, concern and sensitivity. It was a joy to work with him. He will leave a group of outstanding employees because of their relationship to him."

Asst. superintendent for custody, Dennis Rowland, said he never respected another human being more than W.K. Jones.

Asst. superintendent for programs, Ray Perry, said Jones was honest and real and gave him good guidance even when he was disagreeable. "Now my family knows why I enjoyed going to work. How can you go wrong when you’ve got all these people supporting me?"

Regional Director Bob Parrott said, "He likes to talk about his family, and when he does, he gets that twinkle in his eye. He’s a person you can really like." He told Jones, "You’ve been an excellent superintendent. You’ve made a tremendous contribution. You’ll leave a legacy at Wake that will long be remembered."

Jones began working for the Dept. of Correction as an officer at Central Prison in 1964. He was promoted through the ranks and named superintendent of Durham Correctional Center in 1974. Four years later he moved to Wake Correctional Center. Although opportunities for further promotion came, he preferred his work at the prison. There, he listened to and advised inmates, distraught parents and co-workers. He told them all, "You make a difference."

NC DOC Correction News- August 1997
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