Ricky O'Neal Jones, Sr.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;

A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up”

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

The family of Ricky O’Neal Jones, Sr., devoted husband; loving father; grandfather; brother; uncle; cousin and friend would like to inform you that on Monday, October 2nd , 2023, his work here was done. He received a call, with an offer that he could not refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning.

Ricky’s life journey began on Thursday, February 2nd, 1961, in Morehead City, N.C. to the late Luther Jones, Sr. & the late Myrtle Tootle Jones. He was reared in the Mansfield Community and received his formal education while matriculating through the Carteret County Public School System. He was an avid sports fanatic and it showed while attending West Carteret High School in Morehead City, NC. where he played football and was considered a beast on the football field. He also loved the game of baseball and basketball.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in the Mansfield Community. Several years ago, a burning sensation was formed from within to serve Christ with all his heart, soul and mind which led him to rededicate his life to Christ. He was a very active member of St. Mark where he sang in the choir; served on the trustee board and was a lay council member. His love for God was an important ingredient in his life, and it showed in his daily walk. He had a heart of a true servant… helping those in need within the Mansfield community and throughout Carteret and other surrounding counties.

His parents held fast to this command from Christ “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6) and it showed in every aspect of Ricky’s life. He learned the true core values of hard work and many skills early in life. As a young child he spent many days and late evenings working on the family farm, tending various fields and gardens alongside his brothers and his father. Although he learned many skills, he never lost the skill of growing, raising, harvesting and selling watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and collard greens. Part of Ricky’s productive life did not just include farming and agriculture. He was also productive in carpentry, working at Conner’s Mobile Home in Newport N.C. and at Cris Kraft Boating in Hubert, N.C. He would eventually work with his older brother Wesley Earl Jones at Jones Sanitation which he became owner and operator of upon Earls’ death in January 1989. He always made the promise to Earl that he would help his sister-in-law, Dorothy in rearing his niece, Amanda and his nephews, Earl Jr. and Cornelius… a promise he would keep. Several years later he found comfort in masonry work where he co-owned and operated R & J Construction with his older brother, Elder Randy Jones, until his death on Monday, October 2nd. When he wasn’t working in his business, he would always find some kind of work to do such as selling wood and cutting grass. Ricky worked hard to ensure that the needs of his family and others were met before his own. He was a great provider and protector of and for his family whom he affectionately loved beyond measure.

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” (Maya Angelou) Many years ago, Ricky met the love of his life, Anna Montford of Bogue, NC. On July 21st, 2018, they were united in Holy Matrimony and were blessed to have enjoyed five years of marriage together.

Ricky acquired so many attributes during life. He was confident, adaptable, loyal, generous and resilient – all of which was just a part of the fabric from which he was made. He loved taking pictures, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. He was also a true Carolina Tar Heel fan whether they had a winning or losing season! You could never speak against those Tar heels in his presence! He always wore an affectionate smile, something that we as his family and friends will truly miss.

It’s sometimes hard to understand why these things must be. Our sad hearts seek the answer, but it’s not hard for us to see. We can only trust in God and know that in some way, it’s all a part of His great plan, we’ll understand someday. Memories are treasures no one can steal; death is the heartache nothing can heal. Some may forget you now that you are gone, but we who remain shall remember you no matter how long.

Ricky O’Neal Jones, Sr., leaves a multitude of memories and treasured moments that will never grow dim. Those treasured moments will forever remain in the hearts of: his wife, Anna M. Jones of the home; his son, Ricky O’Neal Jones, Jr. and fiancée Bonnie Weeks of Morehead City, NC; his daughter, Kewanna Nicole Douglas (Tywann) of Raleigh, NC; six grandchildren; Ari’yon A. Jones of Havelock, NC, Soul’a R. Jones and Tywann Z. Douglas, Jr. both of Raleigh, NC, Ricky O. Jones, III, Brisa M. Jones and Aniyah T. Douglas all of Morehead City, NC; five brothers, George ‘Winfield’ Tootle, Sr. (Gloria) of Bogue, NC, Edward L. Jones, Sr. (Esther); Elder Randy M. Jones (Alice), Matthew N. Jones and Luther Jones all of the Mansfield Community; one uncle, Jimmy Tootle of Bogue, NC; two step-daughters, Victoria N. Butler of Jacksonville, NC and Adrianna D. Jones of Morehead City, NC; four step-grandchildren, Jeremiah T. Smith and Samyah N. Butler both of Jacksonville, NC; Alayah E. Jones and Josiah A. Jones both of Morehead NC; father and mother-in-law, Brian and Juanita Burgess of Jacksonville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; including special friends, Edward Earl Joyner, Joe Fisher, Charles Holland, Dean Sutton, Stanley Hester, Joe Hill and John McDougal.

Ricky is now afforded the opportunity to reunite with family and friends whom he has not seen in a very long time: maternal grandparents, Clarence and Olympia Tootle; paternal grandparents, Lonnie and Lizzie Jones; father and mother, Luther and Myrtle T. Jones; siblings, Wesley Earl Sr., Alvin Ray, David Earl, Luther Ray and baby girl Jones; sisters-in-law, Dorothy M. Jones, Susan C. Jones and Desiree M. Jones.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Jones' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. Ricky O'Neal Jones, Sr.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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