Induction Year: 1992

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S.C. “Pro” Jones was born in rural Tennessee and raised in Knoxville, where he emerged as an outstanding junior tennis player during the early to mid-1930s. His exceptional talent earned him a tennis scholarship to the University of Tennessee. After college, Pro spent a few years splitting his time between Tennessee and Florida, honing his skills and reputation.

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In 1941, Pro moved to Dallas to become the tennis professional at the Cedar Springs Tennis Club, later known as the Oak Lawn Tennis Club. During World War II (1942-1945), he worked in the Rio Grande Valley for Sun Oil Company.

 

His contributions to tennis extended far beyond the courts. When Dr. Penick convened early meetings of the fledgling Texas Tennis Association in the 1940s, Pro was among the key figures, alongside Julius and Gladys Heldman from Houston and Paschal Walthall from San Antonio. Pro was also a driving force in the Dallas Tennis Association and led the Dallas Tennis Patrons Association for many years.

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In 1944, he married Maxie Watts. Following the war, Pro returned to Dallas and served as the tennis professional at several prominent clubs, including Brookhollow Country Club, Northwood Country Club, and the prestigious Dallas Country Club. By the 1940s and 1950s, Pro Jones was regarded as the leading tennis professional in Dallas. During his tenure at the Dallas Country Club (DCC), Pro transformed the club into a hub of Texas tennis. He directed two major annual open tournaments and oversaw the Texas Sectionals twice. His leadership of the DCC Invitational Tournament brought the world’s best players to Dallas each spring, solidifying the city’s place on the tennis map.

 

In 1960, Pro stepped away from the Dallas Country Club to focus entirely on his sporting goods business in the Highland Park Shopping Village.

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A teacher of the “old school,” Pro Jones was unwavering in his commitment to the rules and ethics of the game. His influence shaped the growth of tennis in Dallas and Texas, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the court.