Former UGA Football Player Gleaton Jones Dies at 21 — Details

The footballer was well respected by his teammates at the University of Georgia (UGA) football program for his exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment.

Former UGA football player Gleaton Jones has tragically passed away at the age of 21. Gleaton was hospitalized on December 10, 2024, after he was involved in a car accident. He was in critical condition and tragically succumbed to his injuries three days later.

The accident occurred while on a hunting trip in St. George Island, Florida, where Gleaton sustained a severe brain injury. After undergoing emergency surgery to reduce swelling, he was hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

A special prayer service was held in his honor at Porterfield Methodist Church on December 11. The service took place from noon to 1 p.m., with the sanctuary remaining open until 3 p.m. for friends who came to pray for his recovery.

As per his obituary, Gleaton leaves behind his parents, Kirk and Marlin Jones, his brother, Cole, and his friends. Aside from his immediate family, his grandparents, uncle, and aunties are also mourning his death.

Born on March 12, 2003, Gleaton was a four-year Honor Graduate of Deerfield-Windsor School and a standout member of the Class of 2021. Known for excelling in Math and English, he also left a lasting impact as a mentor to younger students through the "Junior Buddy" program.

Teachers fondly recalled his ability to brighten any room with his smile. They described him as a blend of seriousness and playfulness, always bringing joy when it was most needed.

Gleaton was also an exceptional athlete in football and track. He was an all-state football player at Deerfield-Windsor School and part of the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship team.

He earned All-Region and GISA All-Star honors, served as team captain, and played a key role in the 2019 State Champion track team. Coaches admired his selflessness, work ethic, and leadership, praising his dedication to his team’s success over personal accolades. His positive attitude and commitment made him a role model on and off the field.

After high school, he joined the UGA football program as a preferred walk-on, forming lasting bonds with his teammates through the sport he loved.

A proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, he cherished the bond he shared with his brothers and the memories they created. He was set to graduate in the spring from the Terry School of Business with a degree in marketing. He was excited to return to Albany to help manage his family farm alongside his father.

Sadly, Gleaton died before fulfilling this dream. An avid outdoorsman, he had a deep appreciation for nature and God's creation. This passion showed how his Southwest Georgia roots were a significant part of his identity.

As a child, he often spoke of his love for tractors and his aspiration to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a farmer. Whether skiing in the mountains with family or enjoying hunting trips with friends, he found joy. He loved making lasting memories surrounded by the people and places he cherished.

Part of this life involved his dedication to service and faith. At Porterfield Methodist Church, he played the guitar and helped form the youth band.

He also participated in mission trips to Miami, the Bahamas, and local storm relief efforts, which deepened his faith and commitment to serving people. His dedication led to his nomination for the Student Leadership University by his youth pastor.

As an active participant in YoungLife, he cherished his small group gatherings and trips to Colorado and Sharp Top. These trips helped him build lasting bonds and enjoy meaningful Christian fellowship.

Known as "Gleat" to his close friends, he was described as magnetic and joyful, always brightening any room. These friends loved his humility, kindness, and empathy, and how he made others feel valued and important.

However, Gleaton's heartfelt love went to his brother who was his best friend. He had a deep admiration for Cole and was incredibly proud of his personal and athletic achievements.

His obituary reads, "Aside from sports and hunting, Gleaton's greatest passion was that of his younger brother, Cole. Of all of his talents, he excelled most as a brother."

Gleaton was a strong supporter of Cole and his teammates throughout their state championship-winning season. He eagerly anticipated Cole’s visits to Athens, where he took pride in introducing him to his college friends.

The obituary continues, "To Cole, Gleaton was a role model, a mentor, a protector, his biggest encourager, and his best friend. They shared the same walk, twinkling eyes, bright smiles, and a respect and devotion that is unique to brothers."

Cole also paid tribute to his brother in a touching Instagram post, accompanied by pictures of their shared memories. Some images captured moments at football games, whether attending or playing, while others showed them hunting together or goofing around as kids. There were also throwback photos from fun days spent at the beach, all reflecting the bond they shared.

Cole wrote, "To say you were loved will always be an understatement. I will forever be in debt for the paths you paved for me, and I'll absolutely idolize you forever. You were my best friend and brother all in one."

Cole expressed gratitude for the 21 years Gleaton was alive. He shared his belief that his brother is watching over them as a guardian angel, hoping that heaven offers sports betting, cold beers, and hunting. He concluded with, "I'll love you forever, Gleat fights on❤️."

Gleaton's life will be celebrated to the fullest at Wynfield Plantation on Monday, December 16, at 2 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress casually in jeans, boots, and camo. The celebration will honor the amazing young man Gleaton was and praise God, who created him.