Ralph Jones

Ralph Eugene Jones, 77, of Hinton, WV, died peacefully on October 30, 2006 after a long illness at the Summers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born January 12, 1929 in Hinton, he was the son of the late Shields Landon and Hazel Bowyer Jones. A lifelong resident of Summers County he attended Talcott High School and then served as a Corporal in the United States Army with the military police, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ralph was employed as a brakeman and conductor for the C&O Railroad before starting his own construction business. In addition to building many area homes and businesses, he developed Pine Hill subdivision in Hilldale. He developed the first cable television system in the Hilldale and Talcott areas. An accomplished musician, Ralph was well known for his guitar, fiddle playing and singing with his wife and family at many local events. He also loved fishing, restoring antique cars, and woodworking. Those who knew him, remember Ralph as a generous Good Samaritan who always gave to those in need. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Talcott. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rhodetta Dodd Jones of Hinton, Children, Judy and husband Jack Holt of Pittsburgh, Pa, Ralph Eugene Jones Jr. and wife Susie of Jumping Branch, Mary Carol and husband Dr. Bruce Senay of Tampa, Fl, and Shirley and husband Dr. Ed Aycoth of Bluefield, Va. Sisters, Marge and husband Jim Sykes of Dumfries, Va, Dora Lee and husband Roger Ratliff, of Hinton, and brother, Carroll Jones and wife Mary Carol of Pence Springs. Grandchildren, Jody and wife Sandy Holt, Kristin Holt and husband Mike Stadler, Eric and Brian Jones, Lindsay Senay, J.V. Flanagan and Andrew Aycoth. Great Grandchildren, Jadyn and Jaclyn Holt. Aunts, Lena Bennett of Beckley, and Catherine Meadows of Forest Hill and a host of close relatives and family friends. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel. Officiating will be Pastor Sam Groves and Paul Dodd, brother of Rhodetta. Burial will follow at the Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Hilldale. The family will receive friends at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors in Hinton on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Ralphâ??s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. To honor this self-taught, self-made man, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ralph Jones Scholarship Fund, in care of the Hinton Area Foundation, P.O Box 217, Hinton, WV 25951-0217.
Viewing Information: 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral parlor
Funeral Information: 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral parlor