Ralph Dale Jones' Obituary
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, October 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm EST. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 2, 2023, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Radney Funeral Home.
Ralph Dale Jones peacefully passed away in Opelika, Alabama, on September 28, 2023. Born on February 21, 1939, in Otter Pond, Kentucky, Ralph lived a full and accomplished life filled with love, wisdom, and optimism. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, LaRue Lindholm Jones of Alexander City, Alabama. His legacy will continue to live on through his daughters, Barbara L. Nelson (Kent) of Ottawa, Illinois, and Amy D. Denton (Grant) of Taylorsville, Utah.
Ralph was a proud grandfather to Kasey M. Duffield (Matthew), Lauren E. King (Harrison), Kelli A. Hafer (Trevor), Holly D. Denton, Nathanael A. Martin-Nelson (Amanda), and Savanna L. Benitez (Bryan). His five great-grandchildren, Christian, Jacob, Elise, Benjamin, and Emma brought him immeasurable joy.
Ralph is also survived by his sister, Velta Mae Hawkins of Alexander City AL, his brother, Johnny R Jones (Greta) of Summerville SC, his brother-in-law, Michael Wiederstein of Spring TX, and close friends Dave and Cathy Eddy of Rapid City SD.
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.
Ralph's service to his country was a significant part of his life. He retired as Master Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy after 27 years of dedicated service. His time in the service saw him aboard the USS John R. Craig (DD-885), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS California (CGN-36), and USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Ralph's service in the military wrapped up with his final assignment as Force Master Chief of Central Naval Technical Training Command at CNTECHTRA MFS, NAS Memphis.
During his service, Ralph received numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with Device, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, two Navy Unit Commendations, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Sixth Good Conduct Award. Ralph's pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of the State of New York, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science 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.
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. An adventurous spirit, Ralph enjoyed RV vacationing and had the pleasure of seeing every state in the U.S.
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.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundationhttps://www.t2t.org
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones family.
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?