Ronnie Jones

Ronnie Jones, 72, of Waxahachie, passed away at his home Saturday evening, July 11, with his wife and son at his side along with other family members who were gathered together for a visit. He was born February 11, 1943, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Charles and Ruth Petty Jones. Ronnie's life and memories are cherished by his devoted wife of 39 years, Wanda Rhudy Jones, who he befriended while both were working together on Elemendorf AFB, AK. They attended the same church and following a Sunday service he asked her out to lunch and the rest is history. He was a supportive dad to his children and will be dearly missed by his beloved daughter Karen Ruth Jones of Colchester, England; his pride and joy, son David Alvin Jones and loving daughter by marriage Julie McParland Jones; as well as the light of his life, granddaughter Emily Kristin Jones. Ronnie was the oldest child in his family and leaves behind brothers and sisters-in-law Michael and Evelyn Dickson of Lehi UT; Donald and Patricia Dickson of Porter TX; and Steven and Jeri Dickson of Red Oak TX; and sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon and Daniel Sisk of Leland NC; Rebecca Rhudy Efird of Eagle River AK; and Patricia Rhudy of Anchorage AK; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who he thought of more fondly than they knew. He will be greatly missed by many close friends who he visited with regularly and his church family. He was preceded in death by his father Charles L.V. Jones, mother Ruth Nell Petty Jones Dickson, daddy John Staley Dickson, brother Anthony "Jeff" Dickson, premature sister Ruth Ann Dickson, maternal grandparents Thomas Jefferson and Martha Retha Burns Killingsworth Petty, paternal grandmother Susie Jones, and a host of uncles and aunts. Ronnie graduated from Adamson High School (Oak Cliff) in 1961 and earned an associates degree while serving in the US Air Force from which he retired in 1984. His military service included tours in Turkey; England; Vietnam; Abilene and San Antonio, TX; Omaha, NE; Anchorage, AK; and his final assignment as a First Sergeant in the Communications Squadron at Shemya AFB "The Rock", a remote island off the coast of Alaska. He enjoyed his adventures and career in the military while serving his country with humility and can be considered a casualty of war due to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Ronnie also traveled throughout Alaska during his years with the US Department of Revenue and told many colorful stories of the beautiful scenery and village life that others can only imagine. He retired and moved to Texas in 1998 to be close to his family and where according to him he "didn't have to shovel sunshine." He was known for sharing his keen knowledge of history and most recently rebuilding old cars with the able assistance of his son David and help from his "shop" buddies. Ronnie was admired for his strength in spirit and body especially during his year plus battle with cancer. His faith in God and dedication to his family and friends was steadfast. Ronnie encouraged his children to pursue their education and careers. He taught them to enjoy life in the outdoors of Alaska with camping and fishing trips that they'll always remember. He was known as Pops to his 4-year old granddaughter Emily who showered him with sunshine and laughter. Pops genuinely believed that Emily would do something great with her life because of her generous heart and clever mind and thereby be his legacy. He will also be missed by his constant dog companions Babe, Hannah Banana, and Abby Lucy. Ronnie was a member of Victory Baptist Church and pastor, Rodney Holliday, will officiate at his graveside service with full military honors at the DFW National Cemetery at 1:30 pm on Friday, July 24. Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service. In lieu of flowers or plants, Ronnie's family requests that contributions be made in his name to the Building Fund or Youth Program at Victory Baptist Church, 423 N. College Street, Waxahachie, TX. The family will be planting trees to honor his love of fruit and pecan trees which he planted as "sticks" on his home's property. They encourage others to do the same wherever they'd like in his memory. A heartfelt thank you to family and friends who were a tremendous support during this difficult time in Ronnie's life and to his team of doctors and nurses at USMD Arlington, Harris Methodist Ft. Worth, and Baylor Waxahachie who were critical in his health care. He was especially grateful and appreciative of Dr Ammar Haque and Dr Andrew Sambell along with their nurses for the kind and forthright specialized personal care they provided during his time of need. Services will be conducted under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home.

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