RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS)- Former Sheriff Truman Jones, a man whose name has become synonymous with service, stability, and neighborly leadership, passed away Wednesday (9/9/2026) at Azalea Court Senior Living in Smyrna. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Woodfin Funeral Chapel.

(above photo) Truman Jones with his first TRUMAN SHOW on WGNS

Jones’ passing marks the end of a remarkable era. Born and raised in Rutherford County, he devoted nearly four decades to public service, beginning his career with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in 1972. He rose to Chief Deputy under Sheriff Craig Snell and, in 1983, was elected sheriff — a role he would hold for the next 27 years. His calm leadership and steady hand guided the department through unprecedented county growth.

One of Jones’ most enduring accomplishments came in 1993, when he partnered with Superintendent Elam Carlton to launch one of Tennessee’s earliest School Resource Officer programs. The first five SROs — Barry Benham, Phil Brooks, Dan Goodwin, Bill Kennedy, and Bill West — set a standard that would grow into a nationally recognized model. Today, every Rutherford County school has an SRO, a legacy that traces directly back to Jones’ vision for youth safety.

Throughout his tenure, Jones modernized the Sheriff’s Office, expanded patrol coverage, and strengthened community policing as Rutherford County’s population surged past 300,000. Residents often described him as accessible, fair, and deeply community‑minded — a leader who listened as much as he directed.

After retiring in 2010, Jones found a second calling behind the microphone. WGNS’ Bart Walker invited him to host a daily talk show, and The Truman Show debuted in January 2011. Broadcasting each weekday from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m., Jones conducted more than 2,700 interviews over 11 years. His final broadcast aired March 1, 2022 from AdamsPlace. The show became a gathering place for local historians, physicians, musicians, and everyday residents — a warm extension of his lifelong commitment to preserving local memory.

When he ended his talk radio career, Murfreesboro and Smyrna honored Jones with proclamations and even the Key to the City, recognizing his decades of service in uniform and on the airwaves. Friends and listeners often described him as thoughtful, energetic, and a mentor to younger officers and community members alike. (Listen back to The Truman Show episodes)

Sheriff Truman Jones leaves behind a legacy of service, stability, and connection. He shaped the county’s public‑safety culture, strengthened its schools, and spent a decade celebrating its people on WGNS Radio. Rutherford County has lost a native son — but his influence will continue to echo through the community he loved.

THOUGHTS FROM FRIENDS

Senior Judge Don Ash: "His career as sheriff helped shape our community. One only has to visit our schools and see police officers developing positive relationships with young people as well as providing protection to see the legacy of Sheriff Jones. He also developed a cold case unit at the sheriff’s department which led to numerous murder convictions. I have so many memories of his radio show at WGNS. Most importantly he loved his family, friends, and this community. I will miss my friend. Soli Deo Gloria !' 

Rutherford County Sheriff Kenneth Barrett: "Sheriff Jones believed in me and allowed me to start my career on March 3, 1998. Sheriff Jones was an outstanding man and leader. He was an inspiration to myself and many others as he taught us how to lead with integrity and accountability."

Retired Assistant District Attorney J. Paul Newman remembered: "Truman Jones was a giant who stood tall and straight in not only the law enforcement community but our community. He was responsible for establishing the first cold case investigation unit in our county, which led to at least 6 successful prosecutions of murders that had remained unsolved for over 20 years.Truman loved people and if Truman was your friend you had a gift given to you that was more precious than gold. I will truly miss my friend, Truman Jones, a true leader and legend."

WGNS' Bart Walker recalled: "He carried a wonderfully dry sense of humor that kept me in stitches. He was also one of the most gifted, down‑home storytellers I ever met—able to paint ideas in full 3‑D and living color. And Truman was the kind of man you could always count on."

Frequent radio show guest Shirley Farris Jones: "I am sorry to hear of Truman's passing. We have lost a good friend and one of our finest citizens. Truman served our county well, and gave back to the community in so many ways. It was always fun to be a guest on his radio show and I will never forget the time the late Dan Whittle called in pretending to be someone else with some hilarious questions that neither of us knew how to answer appropriately. He was a great guy, smart, well informed, with a keen interest in history, along with an appreciation for the preservation of the special sites and places in our county and state and nation. He will be missed!"

WGNS' Bryan Barrett: "Truman was just as authentic off the air as he was on it. I had the privilege of producing nearly every show he did during his WGNS years, and honestly, some of my favorite memories came from the conversations we shared between commercial breaks. Getting him to take a break or end the show was always a tough task! Truman brought that same quick wit to every single morning, whether the microphones were live or not."

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