Richard Henley Jones Sr

Richard Henley Jones Sr - a witty man, perfect father, a coach to hundreds and a friend to all - passed away on October 13th, 2021 in Fort Myers after battling a long-term illness. Like all experiences in his life, he dealt with his illness with strength and grace, he wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his two children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

Born April 3rd, 1945 in Leon, Iowa to Samuel R. Jones and Arline Randle Jones. Richard was an athlete from the beginning to the end and dearly loved bowling, playing golf, playing baseball and softball, and fast cars. He was happiest coaching and mentoring not just his own children, but everyone that he came in contact with. When Richard was a small child, his family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where he grew up. After the passing of his mother, he moved with his father and younger brother to Lehigh Acres, Florida. He graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1963 and continued his education attending classes at Edison Community College for a couple years before going into the Air Force where he served as a computer operator. Richard gained a high security position while in the service where he worked for NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain. Richard was wise beyond his education, and people of all ages and stages in life sought his advice and benefited from his counsel.

Following his honorable discharge, Richard returned home to Lehigh Acres where he married Debbi Beighle and together they had two children, Richie and JJ. They were married for 27 years. One of Richard’s biggest accomplishments was being a great father. He considered himself lucky to have both a boy and a girl. His children called their dad a superhero and even as adults, still see him that way. He was there for them for every moment, through all of their ups and downs. Richard was always helping them and teaching them to be confident and to enjoy every moment life has to offer. To say that he was a proud daddy is an understatement.

Through the years, Richard worked in computer operations for Lehigh Corporation, worked for Nabisco Corporation for eight years then moved into property appraising. First working for Allied Appraisers and then with Lee County Property Appraiser's Office where he was a supervisor for a couple different departments. After retirement, Richard kept himself busy by working in the screenprint business. He was well known at his daughter’s shop by everyone that walked through the doors. His quick wit and ability to carry on a conversation with a stranger was a gift.

Richard was well known as a community leader. During the time that his children were young, Richard made the best decision of his life and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He worked with the young people at First Baptist Church of Lehigh helping in children’s church and driving the church bus. As his children grew, he became involved with them in Little League baseball and softball. He was a skilled coach and umpire in Lehigh Acres Little League teaching not only ball skills but sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and respect for all. He continued coaching for years even after his children were grown. He was most known as “Coach Jones” or “Coach Pappy” in the later years when he helped his son and daughter coach. This was a true calling for him and he took so much pride in all of the players he mentored.

Richard is survived by his son Richard Jones Jr.; Daughter Jennifer (Travis) DeVaney; Sisters Alice McKague, Pauline Tipping; Brother Samuel (Vicki) Jones; Grandchildren Trey (Shelby) Jones, Sammy (Cayden) Jones, Austin (Katelyn) Teckenbrock, Brooke (Zach) Francis, Tucker DeVaney, Jesse DeVaney and Brady DeVaney; Great Grandchildren Penelope, Truett, Dakota, Kaylor, and Kane. He was preceded in death by his mother Arline Randle Jones, his father Samuel R. Jones, Stepmother Hazel Jones and older brother Raymond Jones.

There is no way to sum up Richard’s life in a few paragraphs, everyone has a treasured memory of him. He was a beloved Daddy, Pappy, friend and coach. His sense of humor and fluent sarcasm will be greatly missed. I will leave you to ponder on an unanswered question that Richard had. Before one of his final surgeries, he was asked if he had any questions to which he responded with, “Why does sour cream have an expiration date?”.

A visitation for Richard will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913. A graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Jones Sr family.