FLORENCE — Bill Jones spent a big part of his life at the University of North Alabama in different capacities.

Jones played basketball for the Lions and later served 14 years as head coach of the basketball team. He then became associated athletic director at

UNA and was the university’s first full-time athletic director.

Because of his vast contributions to the athletic department, UNA has renamed its athletic complex the Bill Jones Athletic Complex. The complex includes Flowers Hall, Henry Harold Self Field House, the UNA Soccer Complex/football practice field and Mike D. Lane Field.

Athletic director Mark Linder announced the new name at last week’s basketball game against West Florida. Jones’ widow, Joan Jones was on hand to see the new sign that will be on display at the entrance to the complex.

UNA will also build Bill Jones Plaza in front of Flowers Hall.

Joan Jones said she was very happy and excited about the honor for her late husband.

“I know Bill would be so happy about this,” she said. “He was at home here and loved UNA. I feel like he is very deserving because he worked so hard during his time here. I know he would be very proud.”

A Lexington native, Bill Jones played basketball at UNA from 1955-57 and then returned as head basketball coach for 14 seasons, beginning in 1974. He

compiled a 259-141 record at UNA, including 165-37 record in Flowers Hall. Jones led the Lions to the 1979 NCAA Division II National Championship with a 22-9 record and had five seasons with 20 wins or more.

Jones took UNA to six NCAA national tournaments, with five regional crowns (1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984) and four Final Four appearances (1977,1979,1980, 1984). He also won three Gulf South Conference championships (1977, 1981, 1984), three GSC Tournament titles (1981, 1984, 1988) and was named GSC and Kodak District Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1984.

Joan Jones, who still regularly attends UNA home games, said she now enjoys looking at all the trophies the Lions won during her husband’s era as head coach.

“Seeing all the trophies, I can sort of relive those days,” she said. “After Bill died it was hard for me to see those things without being sad, but I’ve reached the point now where I can look at them with pride and not sadness. And seeing that new sign with his name on it in front of the complex is going to be a good feeling. Our whole family is very proud of it.”

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 256-740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@TimesDaily.com.