Ronnie Alan Jones

Ellijay, GA

Ronnie Alan Jones, age 62, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, after a brief illness.  The Candler County native was born on May 19, 1960, to Larry and Sallie Jones.  His formative years were spent in the Candler County school system, and he would graduate from Metter High School.  Following graduation, he would further his education at Armstrong State College.  His passion for meeting and serving others would lead him to the hospitality industry.  In 1995 he earned his Certified Hotel Administrator certification. Ronnie would work at various properties in Chatham County throughout his career, ultimately retiring from East Bay Inn as Innkeeper.  Throughout his life, he would give selflessly to others.  A particular highlight was when the Angels of Mercy (a St. Joseph/Candler Health System non-profit) awarded him the Guardian Angel award; the first ever award to a non-employee.  He was also active in the Rincon Lions Club and his church, Bible Lutheran.

Following retirement, he would move to a cooler climate in Ellijay.  It was in the north Georgia mountains that he found a renewed focus on self-growth.  He domesticated several species to become his “pets” including deer, birds, and crazy squirrels!  Ronnie also found solace in returning to his passions including woodworking and painting.  Perhaps a little too much HGTV gave the inspiration for many of his projects!  When he was done for the day though, all his tools and work areas were organized and put away.  After sundown, many days, Ronnie would be found playing his favorite game, Mexican Train or Aggrevation with a glass of Eco Domani or a crisp Crown and Coke.  No matter the beverage, he was known by all to be the “ultimate” score keeper during the games.  There would always be a great mix of music playing, often from his vast vinyl record collection, and good food.  One thing that he would never eat though, was mayonnaise.  He detested it so much that he would tell people that he was allergic to it.  Ronnie Jones was a man of selfless service that never hesitated to lift the spirits of all those around him and he was the center of the world to his entire family.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Loretta Jones; first wife, Gail Jones; and a daughter, Rebecca Summers.

Left to cherish precious memories of a life together is his wife, Debra Jones; a son, Brian Sandlin; daughter, Jana (Steven) Higginbotham; two brothers, Eddie Jones and Andy (Bonnie) Jones; two sisters, Rhonda (Randy) Bennett and Lisa Jones; four grandchildren, Abigail Higginbotham, Kat Higginbotham, Ethan Summers, and Cohan Summers; four great grandchildren, Oliver, Aurora, Daxel, and Draven; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends made along life’s journey also survive.

Memorial Services are scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Bible Lutheran Church, 812 Blue Jay Road Rincon GA, with Pastor Dave Hanson officiating.  Following the service, the family will receive friends in the social hall at the church and share refreshments and favorite memories of Ronnie.

The Family is honored by all expressions of sympathy but suggests that in lieu of flowers donation be made to G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Rich In The Spirit Disaster Fund) c/o Bible Lutheran Church, 812 Blue Jay Road Rincon GA

Memorial services will be live streamed via Bible Lutheran Church website at https://www.biblelutheranchurch.org

Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Jones family.