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.

Karen Pierce Miller from New Smyrna Beach, FL wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:47 pm

Ronnie was a Brainerd High School classmate in Chattanooga. I remember him as being kind, friendly and a little shy around girls (but not the guys.) What a great life he had with obvious family joy! Thank you for sharing that with all of us. My sincere condolences on his passing.

Carol Crye from Hixson wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:14 pm

I am so sorry for your loss.
Ronnie was a fun filled friend when we were growing up in our little neighborhood as children.
So tall!!!
Life sent us all in separate ways but I still thought of him often.

Richard Simms from Sale Creek, TN wrote on December 6, 2024 at 1:32 pm

Ronnie was one of my best friends at Brainerd Junior High School. Of course he dwarfed me in size, but he was a gentle giant. We lost touch after school, but I am certain he remained the same kind person he had always been, except maybe on the football field. My deepest condolences.
P.S. A photo of me, Ken Wild and Ronnie from our 9th Grade Graduation and again at our 40th High School Reunion here: https://bit.ly/4fly2sp

Paul M Petrisko from Greer wrote on December 6, 2024 at 1:26 pm

Such sad news. The world has lost a big man with a big heart. I always enjoyed officiating with Ronnie. Prayers and love to the family.

Tim Smith from Lagrange, KY wrote on December 6, 2024 at 1:13 pm

Ronnie was always a really good person and a good friend to have on the football field. RIP

Cleve Hale III from Canton, GA wrote on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm

My condolences to the Jones family for the loss of Ronnie. I officiated with Ronnie in the SEC and I enjoyed working with him and knowing him as a person.

Tony and Lou Ann Turner from Goodwater, Alabama wrote on December 6, 2024 at 8:52 am

Gail, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband Ronnie. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers!

Kellie Woods Thomas from Rockmart, Ga (formerly Trion) wrote on December 6, 2024 at 8:28 am

Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no magic words that I can say, just know that I am thinking and praying for all of you.

Kim Wilson from Fort Payne wrote on December 6, 2024 at 6:28 am

Dr.Jess and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am praying for comfort,now and the days ahead

Kirby (Flynn) Kerns from Lakeview, Oregon wrote on December 6, 2024 at 6:06 am

He was a fabulous man, so grateful I was able to know him. Prayers & condolences to all of you!

Marilyn Slaton from Valley Head Al. wrote on December 6, 2024 at 4:21 am

I'm so sorry for your loss prayers for you and the family

Russ Pulley from Nashville wrote on December 6, 2024 at 4:15 am

Love Ronnie Jones. Really going to miss him. Deepest condolences to his family.

Steven Clay Osborne DVM from Decatur Al wrote on December 6, 2024 at 3:13 am

I first met Big R at Auburn, we had several mutual friends there . We were reunited later in life in the World of the American Quarter Horse . He was a good friend and an inspiration to me in many ways . I will miss him .
Big R may you RIP forever .

Steve Freeman from Vinemont, Al wrote on December 6, 2024 at 3:11 am

Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers🙏❤️

Vickie Johnson from Ringgold wrote on December 6, 2024 at 3:07 am

Gail, please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Ronnie was a good man who loved his family.

Ivan Hawkins from Fort Payne wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:53 am

I am sorry for your loss yall are in my thoughts and prayers

Christa Akins Rowell from Fort Payne wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:49 am

May God comfort this family and friends with him love and warmth during their time of need. In our thoughts and prayers 🙏

Nancy D. Crew from Jackson’s Gap. Al. wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:42 am

Gail and family, l am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my heart and prayers. What an awesome life you and Ronnie lived and l know so many great memories for all of you to cherish. God give you peace to know Ronnie is in no more pain and happy with his Lord , Jesus Christ. Happy Trails Ronnie, one day we will all be together again. Nancy D. Crew

Lisa Ciampi-Sampson from Auburn wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:29 am

Gail & Family-I’m so very sorry for your loss. So many great memories from travel basketball with your family. He was a true Auburn man.

Marcella Shigley Campbell from Valley Head, Al wrote on December 6, 2024 at 2:29 am

Prayers and condolences for the family. I am so sorry for your loss.