Palestine High School Alumni Association

12 / 16 / 1946  –  06 / 11 / 2016

Ronald Craig Jones was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 11, 2016 after a battle with cancer. He was at the Hospice of East Texas Home Place, Tyler Texas surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born December 16, 1946 and was 69 years old.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Bailey & Foster Chapel with Chaplain Vic Willmann officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.

Ronnie was born in San Antonio Texas and raised in Palestine Texas. He graduated from Palestine High School in 1966. He was a proud member of the football team, playing a large role in them winning the state championship in 1964. After high school Ronnie was drafted by the US Army and served duty in Vietnam during which he was wounded twice. Once physically overseas and at the same time emotionally back home. After returning home Ronnie completed his college education with a BA from the University of Texas. During the economic recession in 1973 Ronnie went on to work for 28 years for the Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor before retiring for health reasons. Ronnie was an avid lover of the outdoors and was ready to go anywhere and everywhere at a moment’s notice. He enjoyed spending time at the family lake house growing up. With many vacations spent in Colorado in the cool dry air of the high country that he always loved.

For those who knew him, know he was a devote Dallas Cowboy fan and never missed a game. Win or lose he always rooted for his team. He loved going to family get-together’s and enjoying meals with those he loved. He was known to sneak in for some taste testing and would just giggle when busted with the evidence in his mouth. His spirit for life was truly contagious for anyone within close proximity to him. He loved life and his family and it showed in all that he did. He had a love for movies and always won the family movie trivia games. He was strong, loving, and kind and will be missed beyond words.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Patricia Jones, children- daughter Dana & husband Don Stewart of The Woodlands Texas, son Tommy & wife Natalia Morgan of Houston Texas, sons Heath and Aaron Jones of Florida, and grandchildren Makenzie Stewart, Parmenia Del Rio, Alejandra Del Rio, Fausy Del Rio, Cristina Del Rio and great-grandchild Santiago Del Rio. Father Bernard C. Jones (BC) of Palestine Texas, Brothers Larry and Sherrie Jones of Longview Texas and Stephen and Monite Jones of Louisville Kentucky. Many other family members. Ronnie was preceded in death by his mother Althea Jones of Palestine Texas.

“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile” (Max Lucado). His family will miss his smile, his clever wit, his good nature and quickness to forgive. Until we all meet again way up yonder.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of East Texas Home Place, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Bailey & Foster Funeral Home Website 06 / 13 / 2016.