Carlisle Jones is a part of the sideline crew for the Gator Bowl football games. On December 31, he will be inducted into the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame for his half-century of volunteer work. He also works games for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the University of Florida.
WHAT DOES HE DO AT THE GAMES?
“With the Gator Bowl I handle the down marker that tells officials what down it is.”
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
After high school, Jones took a post at a local bank. He was about to be drafted so he went ahead and enlisted. Two years later, Jones left the service as an Army paratrooper. When he came back, he spent his free time as the clock operator running the clock on the scoreboard but soon switched to running the markers.
“Years ago, I got out of the Army and worked a Gator Bowl game in the press box. After that, I figured I’d like it better on the field. George Robinson was the manager of the stadium at that time. I don’t think I’ve missed one single Gator Bowl game in these 50 years.”
WHY STAY WITH THE CREW SO LONG?
“It’s interesting and lots of fun. I meet all the coaches. They get excited during the ball game but I can’t say I’ve met a coach that I really disliked.”
HOW DO YOU PICK YOUR PEOPLE?
Eight regular members and two alternates make up the crew. The same individuals have comprised the team for the last 15 years.
“I would pick my crew from the high school officials association; they’re familiar with everything. Most of the crew have been with us a long time. I’m real lucky to have the same group of guys stay together and work this long.”
HOW LONG WILL YOU KEEP WORKING THE GAMES?
“As long as I can walk. I would like to continue forever but it gets harder each game, running up and down that field. I worked in the high school association for 33 years. When I was asked why I quit I said, ‘I just couldn’t keep up with those 17-year-olds.’ I’m 74 and it’s about time I slow down on that football field. I enjoy it very much. I’ve had a lot of good times with football and met a lot of nice people.”
FOND MEMORIES
“I meet these young boys that go on to play college games and they’ll come by and shake my hand and remember I worked their high school game. It’s real nice for them to remember you.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BEING A HALL OF FAMER?
“It was a surprise. I’m speechless. I never expected anything like this. I never thought about the Hall of Fame. I feel honored to be chosen. Over 50 years, the crew and myself had a great time working the games. We enjoyed it. We had the best seat in the house-right on the sidelines.”
WHAT BUTTERS HIS BREAD
Until eight years ago, Jones actively ran the family business, Newsome Fence Company, which he started with his father-in-law back in 1951. Once Newsome passed away, Jones took over the chain-link fence business serving mainly commercial and industrial clients with some residential customers. His wife, Betty, is now president of the company which she operates with their two sons. Jones assumed a passive role.
“I’m just a figurehead. I go up there about every day and check to see if there’s anything I can do. I’m a handyman.”
ROOTS
Born in Alabama, Jones claims Port Orange, Fla. to be his hometown. Jones relocated to Jacksonville in 1945 and graduated from Landon High School. During his lifetime, he’s noticed a few changes.
“When we were growing up, we were glad to get a little bag of stick candy for Christmas.”
FAMILY
Beauclerc is home to Jones and his wife Betty. They have two sons, Charles and Kenneth, and one daughter, Cindy. They also have six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Jones’ granddaughter, a junior at Wolfson High School, won ninth place in a national gymnastics competition.
THE CROWD HE RUNS WITH
Jones is a member of San Jose Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. Formerly, he was a part of the Jacksonville Quarterback Club and the Southside Business Men’s Club.
WHAT HE LIKES TO DO
For the past 40 years, Jones has been an avid collector of Lionel electric trains. He has a room full of hundreds of models. Road trips to Hiawasse, Ga. are his great escape where he enjoys boating and relaxing in the mountains. When he’s home, he’s tuned in to “The O’Reilly Factor” or a western movie. Reading “Gone With the Wind” or Reminisce Magazine are favorites, too. Barnacle Bill’s in St. Augustine is where he and his wife go for dinner.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“I’m a Democrat but I do like President [George W.] Bush. I like what he stands for. He’s for the United States. It seems like he’s for the country and not himself. He’s brought dignity to the presidency.”
— by Monica Chamness