Birth date: Feb 21, 1939 Death date: Sep 28, 2023
Funeral Service for Mr. Ralph Dale Jones, 84, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Monday, October 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY on Tuesday, Octob Read Obituary
My condolences to all of Ralph's family. His legacy will live on through all his family and friends. He enjoyed life and will live on in memory. God bless all
60 years of marriage to this gifted, honorable man has brought me joy and happiness that is immeasurable.
We have seen so much and had so many wonderful experiences.
Travel has been a bright place in our relationship. Seeing much of the United States, including Alaska. Also visiting Canada and Spain together.
Our "joint" Navy career spanned over 20 years. Being a Navy Wife was a difficult, but rewarding time. Being Mrs. Dad was not always easy. But Barbara and Amy were up to the Task, as was I.
Pictured, is his favorite necktie. In the Navy, his rate/job was Machinist Mate. The symbol for MM is a propeller. The necktie is imprinted with many tiny propellers.
The Navy saw us living in Idaho, California, Virginia, and Tennessee, Illinois, and again Tennessee. While the moves were difficult, we found pleasure and enjoyment in each new place. Experiences like a ship launching, ships commissioning, retirement ceremonies, Navy Balls, and the Marine Corps Ball where I met and shook hands with the great John Glen.
Ralph was a Master fix-it man and Master woodworker. He made baby cradles, toy boxes, mailbox door banks and much more for our girls and grandchildren. In 2006 we moved to Alabama. Ralph was the general contractor for the house we built. He also finished all the woodwork in the house. We did all the interior painting together. I have some beautiful furniture that he made for me/us including an entertainment center that is exquisite. For our 60th anniversary, he built the sewing machine cabinet that is included in the pictures.
One of the best things about our life together is friends. Our closest friends are Dave and Cathy Eddy. They have been with us on many of our vacation travels. They are very dear to us.
Ralph's girls were the light of his life. He was so proud of their accomplishments and their families. He taught them integrity in all they do. They have followed his lead whenever they could. Their picture is added here.
Ralph was my greatest cheerleader about the needlework, sewing and painting. I included a painting he liked and my most recent finished quilt. I worked on it off and on for 10 years.
We had a good/great life together. He is remembered with so much love and admiration. He is an unforgettable man.
A NAVY POEM
Read by Johnny Jones, Ralph Jones' brother
When I was young, many years ago
I joined the Navy, why, I don't know
I served my time, with honor, and pride
for this young boy, it was a great ride
I went places, I'd never dreamed
time went fast, so it seemed
I met people, I'll never forget
and even some, I wish I'd never met
but as I think back on those days gone by
my ship, my shipmates, brings a tear to my eye
I didn't know it then, never gave it a thought
but my time in the Navy, could not have been bought
I guess we all feel the same, after we're out
the pride we feel, that's what it's about
having served our Nation, keeping it free
protecting our way of life, and our liberty
and the friends I made, along the way
Would I do it again? Any day
and to all my shipmates, Anchors Aweigh!
Unknown
Life Sketch for Ralph Dale Jones given by Kent C. Nelson
Ralph Dale Jones was born to Rose Evelyn Adams Jones and Shellie (Peck) Gordon Jones on February 21, 1939. He was born at his parents' home in Otter Pond, Kentucky,
Ralph was Rose and Peck's first child. Overtime the family grew as other siblings were born: Velta Mae, Johnny Ray, Wanda Rose and Vicky Sue. As new opportunities presented themselves, the family moved from Kentucky, to Knox County, Tennessee, and to Oak Ridge Tennessee where Ralph attended Oak Ridge High School. During the middle of his senior year, his family moved to Clinton, Tennessee, where Ralph finished high school, graduating from Clinton High School in 1957.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy, entering the service on February 22, 1958 - the day after his 19th birthday. Ralph's intellect and technical aptitude qualified him to enter the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Program as a Machinist Mate. He attended the Navy's Nuclear Power School near Idaho Falls, Idaho where he was introduced to LaRue Lindholm by mutual friends. Ralph and LaRue were married on August 2, 1963.
As a testament to Ralph's technical and leadership abilities, during his time in the Navy he advanced to the rank of Master Chief Petty Office the highest enlisted rank, a rank few achieve.
While in the Navy, Ralph served aboard the destroyer USS John R. Craig, the air craft carrier USS Enterprise, the guided missel cruiser USS California, and the air craft carrier USS Nimitz. Air craft carriers such as the USS Enterprise and the USS Nimitz have a crew size in excess of 5,000. While serving on the USS Nimitz, Ralph served as the Command Master Chief - the senior enlisted position on board - a position of significant responsibility and prestige.
After their marriage, Ralph and LaRue lived in Idaho Falls until 1966. During this time, their first daughter Barbara Lin was born. Shortly thereafter they moved to Oakland California, where their second daughter Amy Diane was born. While Ralph served in the
Military, the family also lived in Schenectady New York, Hampton Virginia, and Millington Tennessee.
Ralph's service to his country was a significant part of his life. He retired from the US Navy after 27 years of service.
Ralph's service in the military wrapped up with his final assignment as the Force Master Chief of the Central Naval Technical Training Command, headquartered at the Naval Air Station, Memphis, Tennessee - serving as a Force Master Chief was also a position of significant responsibility and prestige.
Following his time in the Navy, Ralph's pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of the State of New York, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Reactor Technology. His military experience, combined with his education, paved the way for a successful second career as a Reactor Engineer with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the NRC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ralph and LaRue lived in Chattanooga for 19 years. Following his retirement from the NRC, Ralph and LaRue were able to build their dream home here in Alabama where they have lived for 17 years.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ralph was a man of many interests and passions. He fiercely loved his family and was a devoted husband.
His skills as a wood craftsman were unparalleled, and he found great joy in creating beautiful pieces which he generously gifted to his family and friends. He and LaRue enjoyed many years traveling to many of their grandchildren's' births, baptisms, graduations, and weddings. He also enjoyed golf and RV vacationing. He was an all- around do-it-yourselfer and could skillfully build, fix, and create many projects, including acting as contractor on his own home build. He generously supported LaRue in her many and varied art, sewing, and craft projects, including projects and service that she contributed to her church.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, LaRue Lindholm Jones, his two daughters, five granddaughters, one grandson, and five great grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Velta Hawkins and his brother, Johnny Jones and Johnny's wife Greta, his loving nieces, nephews, sons-in-law, spouses of his grandchildren, and close extended family and his dear friends Dave and Cathy Eddy.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Shellie Gordon Jones and Rose Evelyn Adams Jones, as well as his sisters, Wanda Rose Knight and Vickie Sue Brotherton (Brother-ton).
Ralph's family and close friends remember him fondly as a man who radiated warmth and positivity. His wisdom, integrity, and optimism were evident in all aspects of his life, from his devotion to his family, his commitment to his work, and his dedication to his country. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who love him.
Eulogy for Ralph Dale Jones
21 Feb 1939 - 28 Sep 2023
My name is Grant Denton. I am married to Ralph & LaRue's youngest daughter, Amy. I am honored to have been asked by LaRue to deliver Ralph's eulogy as we are gathered here today to celebrate a life well lived. I would like to share some personal thoughts and experiences as well as favorite memories from family and friends to honor the life of a good and honorable son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, sailor, instructor, neighbor, and friend that was Ralph Dale Jones.
Ralph was a decisive and determined young man. LaRue shared their engagement story with us the other night. LaRue had a friend, named Laurel. Ralph's roommate was Bill, and he and Laurel were dating. Bill was using Ralph's car because they were working on his and Bill and Laurel felt guilty for using Ralph's car all the time, so Laurel fixed them up and they went out on a double date one Friday night. LaRue did not remember what they did on that date, but at the end of the night Ralph took her home and Laurel and Bill stayed at their house. After dropping LaRue off, Ralph returned to their home, pulled Laurel up off the couch and hugged her and said, "You gave me just what I've been looking for!" The next day Ralph and LaRue went driving, because he had not been in Idaho Falls long, and she took him sightseeing to show him the countryside, and sometime during that day he asked her what she thought about being a navy wife. She said, Oh I don't know, she didn't think much of it and thought he was just making conversation. Ralph worked shift work, and they always had to work a 12 hour shift every day except Wednesdays, so he asked to see her again on the following Wednesday night. When they got together on the following Wednesday night, less than a week after they met, he asked her in all seriousness to marry him. She was still in high school, and she was not really thinking that way yet, and she thought about it close to a month before she finally said yes. He gave her a ring in June, and they were married in August of 1963. This past summer we gathered as a family to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Ralph was devoted and diligent in caring for his parents and siblings. I observed the way he cared for his dad, whom we called Papaw Peck, in his later years and how he took care of his sister Vel with whatever help or support she might need around the house.
Vel shared a cute story that illustrates how he tried to be a helpful and supportive brother. When she and Ralph were in high school, she used to have trouble getting her hair into a ponytail after PE class. Ralph would meet her at her locker, would help her get her hair put up in a ponytail, and then he would tell her to get lost!
While in the Navy, Ralph befriended a young man named Dave Eddy. Dave and his wife Cathy became lifelong beloved friends with Ralph and LaRue and they have shared many choice experiences with them over the years. I invited Dave to share a few favorite memories of Ralph.
"My first impression of 1st Class Petty Officer Ralph Jones was that of admiration for the confidence, competence, and leadership he exuded. Luckily, a short time later Chief Petty Officer Jones was placed in charge of the nuclear trained mechanics in #3 plant onboard the USS Enterprise, becoming my boss. A lifelong friendship began. I never had a doubt that he was in charge of my actions, my training (on the job and in life), and guidance in my career development. Ralph and LaRue celebrated my wedding to Cathy, and she was quickly absorbed into our "family". When Ralph and I were deployed our wives were close including camping trips with the Jones girls, Barbara, and Amy."
"In the late 70's Master Chief Jones found himself on board the Nimitz in port Naples, Italy on Christmas Eve day. He and fellow Master Chief Dave Eddy decided they should go ashore. During the boat ride to the pier, they decided they would seek out a place where they could have whatever the Italian traditional Christmas eve dinner was. After hailing a cab, they explained their mission to the driver. They were delivered to a restaurant and ordered the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. The dinner was a (partially cooked) eel complete with the head. They ate the side dishes and left the eel. When discussing their evening the next day in the chief's mess a fellow Master Chief pointed out that the restaurant, they had been to was in an area designated as "out of bounds" by the Navy and they therefore had embarrassed the rank of Master Chief and set a bad example for younger sailors. "
"After joining Ralph as a Master Chief Petty Officer, he and I continued to enjoy a great relationship including a two-week tour in Spain with LaRue and Cathy. After we both retired from the Navy, we did a lot of RV traveling together including a three-month trip to Alaska. We will never forget Ralph. And will always thank LaRue, Barbara and Amy for sharing him with us."
I never called him Dad, to me he was just Ralph. When I was a teenager, I was intimidated and a little afraid of Ralph, because I didn't really know him that well yet, my first impression was that he was stern, serious, and no nonsense. Once I took a greater interest in Amy and started showing up around their house from time to time, Amy told me that Ralph had created a nickname for me. He called me the "Germantown Hillbilly." Germantown was one of the more affluent areas in Memphis at the time, I certainly didn't live in Germantown, and I guess he thought I was a redneck because I drove a pickup truck and wore a ball cap, regardless He thought it was funny anyway. In later years as I got to know him better, I grew to admire, respect, and love him as though he were my second father, which he truly was.
In the first year of our marriage Ralph and I spent many a Saturday morning under the hood of my car repairing or replacing every major component of that piece of junk. Ralph insisted on teaching me and allowing me to do the work myself. He was always patient with me even when knuckles were busted or when the job took longer than planned. He taught me "lefty loosey, righty tighty." He taught me to always use the right tool for the right job. One rule he emphasized was to be sure to clean the grease off his tools and return them to their rightful place when the job was done. While I didn't become a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, the time we spent together strengthened our relationship and I loved hearing stories of his childhood summers on his grandparents' farm in western Kentucky and his adventures and experiences in the Navy.
Ralph enjoyed camping and RV'ing. I first met Ralph when I was about 13-14 years old on a church camp out/canoe trip that he brought the family to on the Buffalo River in Middle Tennessee. Years later, after he and LaRue purchased an RV, Amy and I would often meet them at a campground somewhere and pitch a tent next to their RV and enjoy the weekend camping together. One afternoon after lunch, Ralph, and I along with 7-year-old Lauren decided to take a short walk on a half mile loop before we broke camp and went home. To this day I don't know how, but navy vet Ralph and Eagle Scout Grant took a wrong turn and we found ourselves following the trail markers of a 20-mile overnight backpack hiking trail. No water, no food, no map, no compass, no way to call for help, we were lost. We roamed through the bottoms and hollers around the lake for almost 3 hours, before we finally hit a paved road and immediately were rescued by a park ranger who had been dispatched by our worried wives. I don't think he ever forgave me for that embarrassment to this day.
One of Ralph's favorite pastimes was to "tool around" a hardware store. Ralph loved a good clamp. He had scores of clamps, one for every occasion. Over decades of Christmases and birthdays he made sure that I had the essential power tools, hand tools, and gadgets. Over the years we have worked together on many home repairs or home improvement projects. I observed how precisely and methodically he approached each job. I can hear in my mind, "measure twice cut once." Often when planning a trip to visit us Ralph would call and ask what help we needed, and what tools he needed to bring with him. One of my favorite projects we worked on together was a large, custom spice rack that we installed on the inside of our pantry door of our home in Ohio.
Ralph was a master woodworker in our eyes. He shared his skill and creative talent with woodworking generously and lovingly with his family. Our homes are collectively filled with many of his specially crafted gifts. Mantle clocks, baby cradles, savings banks, writing desks, mail boxes, storage chests, wall sconces, ornate picture frames that encase Lauren and Holly's baby blessing dresses, a music stand customized for the oboe for Kasey and Kelli, a display rack for Savanna's taekwondo belts and sword, a ride-on airplane for Nathanael, a bread knife set, night light sets, Noah's Ark toy box, Noah's Ark wooden toys, and a time capsule are some of the family's many cherished treasures. Most of these articles bear his original trademark. He would embed a shiny new penny with the current year of the project and emblazon his signature with a wood burning stamp, that read "Hand-crafted by Ralph D. Jones."
Ralph and I played a lot of golf together over the years. It was something that we both weren't particularly good at, but we loved to spend that time together outdoors chasing and losing golf balls all over the course. I remember one afternoon while we were playing, having a conversation about parenting daughters, which is also something we had in common, both having fathered two beautiful daughters. I still recall something he said that at the time I probably took personal offense at, but he said, "No one will ever be good enough for your little girls" I remember looking at him and saying something like "Gee, thanks a lot," but now I think I understand what he was trying to say. Ralph loved his girls. At the end of our family reunion this summer he exclaimed that he had the best daughters in the whole world! He raised them to value hard work, education, fiscal and social responsibility. I could tell that he has been proud and so impressed by their academic and professional pursuits. Over the years I have observed many of Ralph's character traits, facial expressions, and mannerisms in Amy or Barbara, and chuckle inside when I see them.
Barbara remembers her dad as a man of integrity who fiercely loved his family. She also valued his quick sense of humor. Oftentimes when they were out to eat, or at family gatherings where paper plates and plastic tableware were used, at the end of the meal he would be the first to spring up and volunteer to do the dishes tonight!
Amy shared, "A tender memory that I have of being his little girl is that sometimes if I had a headache and he could tell I felt super crummy, he would come up to me and put his forehead on mine and say he was taking the headache away." Barbara said she was amazed by how well that worked.
Ralph loved being a grandpa and great grandpa. I have observed in family gatherings how his countenance would soften and his eyes light up whenever he saw his grandchildren and great grandchildren. I invited the grandchildren to share a special memory or two they have of their grandpa.
Kasey shared, "My memory is just as a little girl climbing into Grandpa's chair and him shaking an m&m for me out of his little M&M man."
Lauren remembers hanging out with grandpa in the garage workshop in Chattanooga. I remember that grandpa's chair was the comfiest one in the house, coveted by all the grandkids. I remember him telling me to "suck it up kid" or he would "jerk a knot in my tail." He also told me to think with my kidneys. One time when grandma and grandpa were visiting, grandma wanted me to take pictures of the two of them with my little canon camera. I paraded them around the yard and the house and did my best to get him to smile for the camera. I managed to get a half smile out of him in one or two pictures. I loved seeing him and grandma with all the family for a few fleeting moments during my mission in Nauvoo. I treasure the bank and picture frame and my blessing dress frame. The bank he made for each grandchild was made from old post office mailbox doors that had a little glass pane with the number of our birth order on them. Well, as kids do, I didn't take great care of my belongings, and the little glass pane went missing many years ago. This past summer, grandpa handed me a tiny, wrapped package and told me he saw my bank last time he visited my parents and noticed the glass was missing, so he made me a new one. He was thoughtful and resourceful."
Kelli's memories are that he always smelled of leather and coffee. Whenever I smell leather and coffee, I think of Grandpa Jones. She remembers helping to grind his coffee beans for his breakfast brew when they visited Chattanooga as a small girl. She also remembers him letting her help on a small project in the woodshop and recalls his delicate teaching and patience in sharing his hobby with her.
Nathanael's standout memories of grandpa are of them just sitting and talking. "He was very willing to listen and ask me about the things going on in my life. We would talk about the Navy, engineering, and Elise. It was fun to see him be excited to see Elise and wave and talk to her. Also, his coffee mug, he always had his coffee mug. I also like to hear about how he fell in love with grandma. That was cute."
Holly's memory of Grandpa Jones was "Anytime we were saying goodbye over the phone or after visiting, Grandpa would always tell us to "Be good."
Savanna appreciated all the time that he put into the special wood projects he gifted to the grandkids.
Ralph gained a certain respect for the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mainly due to understanding the experiences and trials of his own four grandchildren who served as full time missionaries for the church, Kasey in Hong Kong, China, Lauren in Nauvoo, Illinois and Salt Lake City, Utah, Nathanael in San Diego, California, and Holly in Long Beach, California and São Paulo, Brazil. Over the years he welcomed many young missionaries into their home to share a meal, accept their small acts of service, and even enjoyed a round of golf with one set.
I read an anonymous quote this week that said, "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, looking back on good memories helps comfort you tomorrow." Another quote that was found on an Irish headstone read, "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
I have found at the loss of a loved one, that the pain of loss and grief is eased by the good, positive, favorable memories that bring peace and comfort during those difficult times. I hope that by my sharing these anecdotes and memories that it caused you to have laughed or smiled and maybe shed or tear or two as we honor the legacy of a life that has positively impacted us all for good. In the tradition of the United States Navy, Ralph, we bid you Godspeed, Fair winds and following seas, until we meet again.
I loved my Uncle Ralph, I didn't get to spend much time with him, but I have very fond memories of him. A great Man! I love you Uncle Ralph ❤️❤️
Jean Lindholm Petersen, Ammon, Idaho
I'm so grateful for his service to our country. It's guys like him to keep us safe and make the country great. I hope you receive comfort at this time. I love your nephew, Paul Lindholm.
Serving with Ralph on the USS California, I came to know him as a good friend and shipmate, always ready to lend an ear or a hand.
I remember a bit of Ralph and LaRue's wedding. I was about 3 at the time. There is a lovely picture of Ralph holding me. I always said he was my favorite uncle.
While he was on the U.S.S. Enterprise I wrote to him, and he sent me post cards of the Enterprise going under the Golden Gate Bridge. I always felt very special that he took the time to write to me.
My condolences go out to LaRue, Barbara, Amy and your family.
Julie Perry
