Former UNA coach Bill Jones dies

FLORENCE — Former University of North Alabama basketball coach and athletic director Bill Jones died late Tuesday.

He was 72.

Jones led UNA to the 1979 Division II national championship, the first national title in any sport. Jones died after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, Joan, sons Kem and Rex, and daughter Pam.

Jones coached the Lions from 1974-1988 and posted a a 259-141 record, He also served as associate athletic director from 1977-87, and then became the school’s first fulltime athletic director with no coaching responsibilities in November 1987. He held that position until his retirement in 1994.

Funeral arrangements are pending.