Obituary of Ronald Ernest Jones

Dedicated father and loving husband, Ronald Ernest Jones (Sumter, SC) entered eternal rest on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was 80 years old. Born in St. Louis County, Missouri, July 12, 1943, Ronald spent his early life on their family farm near Wentzville, MO. After finishing at Francis Howell High School, Ronald attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology, in Rolla, MO, earning his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from the Missouri School of Mines. He was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity. Ronald was immediately employed with International Harvester for 18 years, eventually transferring to employment with Cooper Industries/Crescent/Xcelite Tools until his retirement after 30+ years in the manufacturing industry. Ronald married Patsy Eloise Hood in 1963, and celebrated 60 years of marriage August 31, 2023, just prior to his death. Ronald and Patsy relocated several times while he was with International Harvester. They spent time in Canton, IL; Bettendorf, IA; Memphis, TN, and finally residing in Sumter, SC for the last 38 years. Upon his retirement, Ronald and Patsy opened and operated The Crafty Needle Shop in Sumter from 1993 until they retired in 2008. Ronald enjoyed repairing sewing machines and crafting professional framing in the shop, in service to their customers. Ronald was a member of Wise Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, SC, where he was active as a Deacon and on the Finance Committee. Ronald lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards and games with the family. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, loving them dearly, and teaching them the ways of life. Ronald is predeceased by his parents, James Theodore Jones of Arkansas, and Amy Elizabeth (Mueller) Jones of Monterrey, Mexico. He is also predeceased by his sister, Peggy Ann Jones, of Wentzville, MO, who died in childhood. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Patsy Eloise (Hood) Jones; daughters, Cynthia Jones (Kirk Kilgore), Carrie Jodoin, Cheryl Jones, and Charlotte Bohr (Matthew). Surviving also are Ronald’s brother, James William Jones (Bobbie) of Oklahoma City, OK and their children, David Jones, and Kathi (Jones) Beth; and Ronald’s sister, Patricia Nell (Jones) Hoppes, and her children, Terri Jett and Beth Webb. Ronald’s grandchildren include Hunter Fitzpatrick, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Fitzpatrick, and Logan Fitzpatrick; Stephen Draper (Chelsea), Michael Draper, and Joseph Jodoin; Jacob Harvell (Krystal), Tyler Bohr (Jennie), Kirsten Bohr (Austin Fuller), Daniel Bohr and Jonathan Bohr. Ronald’s great-grandchildren include Grayson Bohr, Jamison Bohr, Theo Bohr, Gabriel Hudson, Carson Harvell, Layton Harvell and soon to be, Baby Girl Draper! Immediate correspondence should be directed to the family at 721 Haynsworth Street, Sumter, SC 29150. A service will be held at Wise Drive Baptist Church, 2751 S. Wise Drive, Sumter, SC on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10 am in the main sanctuary with Rev. Matthew Bohr and Rev. Stephen Stanford officiating. A celebration of life ceremony will be held later in the year with close family and friends. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386