Mr. Ronnie Lee Jones

June 16, 1954 – December 4, 2024

Ronnie Lee Jones was born on June 16, 1954. He passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends at 70 years of age, on December 4, 2024.

He was a graduate of Brainerd High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University in 1976. He was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his father Edward Daniel Jones. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gail Sprayberry Jones, their daughters, Kristen Lee Jones, Candace Lynn Jones McKelvy (Chad), and Jessica Elaine Jones. Also, his mother, Dean Jones, sisters, Amanda Shirey (Mike) and Tricia Martin (Jay). Also, his legacy will continue with his grandchildren Clay and Parker McKelvy and his nieces and nephews.

Ronnie started his career in sales with Selox Corporation in Chattanooga, TN selling industrial and medical gases. He retired from Airgas after being in the industrial and medical gas industry for 42 years.

Ronnie played football at Auburn University from 1972 through 1976 as an offensive tackle. He then continued his love for football in 1986 as he started his career in officiating in the AHSAA and served in the Southland Conference, eventually working his way into the Southeastern Conference for 10 years. Ronnie’s officiating career took him back to those same great venues he experienced as a player and he officiated in some of the south’s greatest rivalries working games across the southeast.

He loved riding horses and was head trail boss for the Alabama Wagon Train for several years, and served several terms as President of the Alabama Quarter Horse Association receiving the Pioneer Horseman Award in 2023. He and Gail have a family farm and raise Registered Polled Hereford cattle.

Ronnie’s true love was his wife and family. He will be forever missed and his memory cherished.

The family is accepting flowers or donations to Bankhead Cemetery (P.O. Box 193 Mentone, AL 35984)

Visitation

Date of Visitation: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Visitation Location: First Baptist Church in Fort Payne, AL

Visitation Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Funeral

Date of Funeral: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Funeral Location: First Baptist Church (106 Grand Ave. NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967)

Funeral Time: Memorial Service at 1:00 PM

Officiating: Dr. Pat McFadden & Dr. Marshall Henderson

Burial

Date of Burial: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Burial Location: Bankhead Cemetery in Mentone, AL (Following the Graveside Service there will be a Celebration of Life for friends & family at Wildflower Cafe, 6007 AL-117 Mentone, AL 35984)

Share your condolences:

70 entries.

John K. Duffy from Chattanooga, Tn. wrote on August 13, 2025 at 3:46 am

Ronnie & I Played Football Together @ Brainerd High School ..... So Sorry For Your Loss 😥

Ned Wilford from Melbourne wrote on December 12, 2024 at 2:59 pm

I met Ronnie when he came into the SEC Football Officials Assn, and had the pleasure of working a number of games with him and getting to know him. A great friend who demonstrated impeccable character and a true gentleman. I know he loved his family and we join them in sharing wonderful memories of one of my favorite men. May God comfort the family and friends who join me in our love for Ronnie. What a great guy!!!

Kathy McMunn from Mentone wrote on December 10, 2024 at 4:51 pm

Ronnie was big & loud AND kind & tender & considerate. When I was a kid he used to let me ride around with him on n the blue truck and “help” with the horses. My dad used to marvel at the amount of homemade ice cream Ronnie could eat and brag that ONE TIME he accomplished the goal of having all the ice cream Ronnie was able to eat, “One time we filled him up with ice cream.” Our community is emptier without him here,

Karen Mitchell from Fort Payne wrote on December 10, 2024 at 12:15 pm

So very sorry for your loss.

Molly Benton Laville from Washington, DC wrote on December 10, 2024 at 3:48 am

Amanda, Trisha and all your family. I’m so sad to read this. The first time I met Ronnie, we were at Camp DeSoto and he was keeping a horse from getting out of hand. He was bigger than the horse! I was super impressed by his size! I remember his huge laugh. I’ve never forgotten him. He was a gentle giant to a 12 year old girl. My heart goes out to all of you. 💗

Tina Stephens from Odenville Al. wrote on December 9, 2024 at 5:32 pm

So sorry for your loss. Ronnie will be greatly missed.

Bob and Amy VanKirk from Washington NJ wrote on December 9, 2024 at 3:39 pm

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the Jones family. So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed .

Houston Smith from Cloudland Ga. wrote on December 9, 2024 at 1:29 am

SOsorry for the mistake in ronnie's sister and brother inlaws name was mistaken !!calling him jay porter meaning jay martin !!my mistake !!so sorry !!

Houston Smith from Cloudland Ga. wrote on December 9, 2024 at 1:16 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with the intire jones family, during this sad time, was fortuneate to know ronnie as a neighber in mentone, getting to know him his dad and going to school when his aunt was princilal at Moon lake school, miss cathrine jones,so sweet a lady,knowing his sister and jay porter through my brother jacki smith as we lost only days being a year ago!! may god be with the family through this sad time !!and may gods blessing be with the family !!

Greg and Kelly Parker from Perdido Beach Alabama wrote on December 8, 2024 at 6:31 pm

Our deepest condolences to your family. Ronnie will be missed.

Owen family from Ft.Payne wrote on December 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm

“ONE BIG HEAVEN”. That’s where our dear friend Ronnie is now. “WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN, WHAT GLORIOUS DAY THAT WILL BE! Ronnie was the Trail-master here on earth but is now in heaven with all of God’s creations! Our family will forever hold the memories of Ronnie being a part of our Trail- Ride days! What a great man. Big horses: big smiles and laughter. We will embrace his precious family . He has left us something to look forward to;
“ HEAVEN”

Philip Jennings from Fairhope wrote on December 8, 2024 at 12:25 pm

The Knick name “Big R” wasn’t just about his size, it was about his heart. A hard working Auburn Tiger who gave back after his playing days were over. He provided the SEC with his talent once again on the field as an SEC official.
Ronnie lived the Auburn Creed throughout his life. His teammates and family are a testament of a life well lived.
Rest in peace, faithful servant.

Benny Goss from Mentone al wrote on December 8, 2024 at 2:39 am

Gail and family my wife and I are very sorry for your loss. You folks are in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry Fuller from Mobile, Al wrote on December 7, 2024 at 5:09 pm

Big Ronnie,always looked out for his teammates. Sure he’ll be missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family..

Blake Parks from Murfreesboro, Tennessee wrote on December 7, 2024 at 12:56 pm

This world has lost a wonderful man. My fond memories of Ronnie always include his jovial smile. Although I am sad, we are grateful that his fight is over. He was a friend, brother, and fellow football official. Please accept my condolences to The Jones and Shirey families. Blake Parks

Connie Payne from Trion wrote on December 7, 2024 at 12:32 pm

Gail, Kristen, Candace and Jess: I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Working with Gail, I have heard many Ronnie stories along the way. They shared a great love, one of respect and consideration for one another. Ronnie was always very jovial, kind and somewhat of a tell it like it is guy! Ha He was of course the best story teller of all times! I know Gail, you are thankful for such a lifelong love and girls, you’ve had and have the best memories to treasure! Love being a part of your lives and I am sending much love your way. In closing I salute a great man of his time. Thinking of you warmly and in prayer. Love, Connie💚

Bill Newton from Fayette wrote on December 7, 2024 at 12:16 pm

My heart is sadden to loose another teammate. Big Ronnie was a special guy,, my prayers to Gail and Family. God Bless 🙏

Greg Gillis from Milton, Florida wrote on December 7, 2024 at 3:23 am

What a great guy to play ball with. Glad to have been able to get to know Ronnie off the field. Enjoyed the classes we had together. Pray for God’s peace and comfort on the family during this valley.

Romans 8:28

Tony Long from Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri wrote on December 7, 2024 at 3:01 am

Our heartfelt condolences to Gail, and all of the Jones family from my mom, Mary, and all the Long Families. Our families just like Ronnie and I have shared many wonderful memories during our time at Auburn. I am blessed to be able to call Ronnie Jones, my Auburn football brother -
Blessings !!!

Gary Storey from Dothan wrote on December 7, 2024 at 2:51 am

A gentle giant. Ronnie will be missed by all who knew him. I knew him when I was a walk-on player on the Freshman team with Ronnie in 1972. Enjoyed knowing Ronnie as a teammate and friend.
Gary Storey