Mid-South Anglers: A veteran’s mission to serve through fishing

Local non-profit seeking to increase social media presence

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Overtis Jones Jr., 60, has turned his passion for _shing into a mission of service. Born and raised in Chicago before moving to Forrest City as a teenager, Jones’ journey has taken him around the globe – from playing basketball for the Navy Wildcats to serving as a licensed medical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, he’s casting a new net of generosity with Mid-South Anglers,

See NON-PROFIT, page A7

“Serving the underserved” is the motto of Mid-South Angler’s who donate their catches to locals in need.

Overtis Jones Jr. of Mid-South Anglers smiles big with his expected catch.

Photos submitted

No need for “big-fish tales” when you have photos.

Overtis says he looks forward to increasing his non-profit’s social media presence.

From page A1

a 501(c)(3) nonpro_t he founded earlier this year.

“Fishing has always been a blessing in my life,” says Jones. “We’ve been blessed, so why not bless others – especially our veterans and those who need it most?”

Mid-South Anglers follows the motto of “serving the underserved,” providing fresh _sh to veterans, disaster victims, and even those who simply can’t _sh for themselves anymore. Since April, the organization has given out free cat_sh to communities across the Mid-South. With a team of dedicated volunteers, including Ron Burnett, Ali Hardiman, and Jones’ son, the group goes wherever they are needed – whether it’s handing out _sh at local spots like the Pancake House in Marion or Tackers Shake Shack, or responding to disaster areas alongside FEMA.

“When tornadoes or other disasters hit, we show up with our truck, frying up cat_sh and French fries to let people know they’re not alone,” explains Jones. “We want to be a light in tough times, just like Christ teaches us.”

Jones recalls some of his most rewarding moments: delivering _sh to elderly individuals who can no longer _sh themselves and knocking on doors to surprise families with a hot meal. “It’s not just about _sh – it’s about showing people someone cares,” he says.

While Jones has always loved cat_sh – his personal favorite – he is more focused on growing the impact of Mid-South Anglers. The nonpro_t is building its social media presence to inspire others to join the mission. “We want people to follow us, share our story, and help us spread this blessing far and wide,” he says.

The nonpro_t has a team that includes a cameraman, affectionately known as “Dub,” and a talented editor who helps document their efforts on platforms like YouTube, where you can _nd them by searching for Mid-South Anglers or @vertjonesII.

For Jones, the work is deeply personal. “I’ve seen the sacri_ces veterans make, and I’ve seen the needs in our communities,” he reects. “If we can put a smile on someone’s face with a plate of fresh _sh, that’s what we’ll do.”

To support or learn more about Mid-South Anglers, email Overtis Jones Jr. at vertjr2@yahoo.com. Follow their journey on You-Tube to see how a small act of kindness can ripple through an entire community.