Ralph Arnold Jones

He retired from Phillips Consumer Electronics (formerly Magnavox) as a truck driver after more than 25 years of service. He had previously served as a salesman for the former Mohawk Milling Company.

He was a lifelong member of Mount Hope United Methodist Church and attended as long as his health permitted. He held numerous church positions including youth Sunday School teacher, trustee, and Chair of the Administrative Board. He loved to sing and was the church song leader for many years, and sang in various gospel quartets with his wife. If there was a church activity taking place you were sure to find him playing an active role.

He loved to deer hunt, enjoyed NASCAR racing, and watching the Atlanta Braves. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Regenia Oneita Jones; one daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and Dr. Lyle Ailshie of Kingsport; three granddaughters: Dr. Tracie Neas and husband Tyler of Greeneville; Hilary Wolfe and husband Andrew of Derrider, Louisiana; and Karli Ailshie of Kingsport; great-grandchildren, Harper and Ainsley Neas of Greeneville and Tucker Wolfe of Derrider, Louisiana; one brother and sister-in-law, Rex and Vonda Jones of Smithville; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Jimmie Higgins of Greeneville; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Leonard McLain of Baileyton; a sister-in-law, Maxine Jones of Greeneville; a special niece and her family, Myra and Darrell Bible and Mitchell, Brittaney, and Eliza Bible, all of Mohawk; and special extended family, Ricky “Pete” Shipley whom he considered a son, his wife Betsy and children, Brooke and Bronson Shipley of Bulls Gap; several nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Myrtle Jones, three brothers, Paul Jones, Luke Jones, and Gail Jones; and sister-in-law Emily Naomi Jones.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Kiser – Rose Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Mohawk with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Ronald Matthews, Rev. David Gibbs, and Ronnie Rednour will officiate. The body will lie in state for 30 minutes preceding the funeral service.

Pall bearers will be: Bobby Shipley; Charles Poe; Chris Higgins; Doug Duff; Randall Jones; David McLain; Michael Starnes; and Doug Whaley. Honorary pall bearers will be: Bill Tabor; Jim McCamey; Sammy Voiles; Bo Voiles; and his church family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brad Strange, Joy Tweed, and Amedisys Home Health.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mount Hope United Methodist Church cemetery fund in care of Linda Hawkins, 200 Lamons Road, Mohawk, TN 37810.