RALPH LEROY JONES, JR. was born on March 5, 1949.  Dorothy Kennedy and Ralph Leroy Jones Sr. raised him, his younger sister Dottie and his youngest sister Susie on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio.  Like many families on the west side of Cleveland, he attended West Tech High School, where he left early to volunteer for the Vietnam War. He was a compassionate patriot, who served his fellow soldiers with dignity and grace.  His extroverted personality made him an asset for the Army Post Office because he was able to make new friends on every shift.  Soldiers on the front lines were always glad to see him because he brought news from home and with words of encouragements and empathy.

While in high school, he met and fell in love with Evelyn "Cookie" Macuna.  After a brief courtship, they married and raised four beautiful children: Jennifer, Wendy, Kimberly, and Anthony.  He was a good father who showed his family what it takes to work hard, treat people kindly, and care for stray animals throughout the neighborhood.  He had a heart for animals and frequently brought home new pets for his family to enjoy.  He was a tender hearted soul and it showed for his commitment to abandoned animals.

Like his father, he was a successful independent truck driver that delivered the stone needed to build major construction projects all throughout northeast Ohio. His business, RLJ Trucking, was proud of its Mack Dump Trucks and worked tirelessly to serve the community and earn a living for his family.

After his four children graduated from high school, he began a new life as a single adult. He moved to Fairview Park, where he settled into the neighborhood and became a staple within the community. He knew everyone who walked down the street.  From veterans, to retirees, to newlyweds, to large families, he would engage everyone with joyous greetings and pleasant conversations.  He meticulously manicured his corner grass lot every single day and could be seen on his hands and knees using scissors to ensure the grass was up to his high standards.

One of his proudest roles in life was as a grandfather.  His daughter Jennifer married Rhett Davison and had two daughters, Megan and Ashlyn.  They are happily married and live in North Olmsted.  His daughter Wendy married Brian Walbeck and had two sons, Brian and Jeremy. Wendy is now happily married to Joe Damm and lives in Chardon. His daughter Kimberly married Doug Folger and had two sons, Trent and Collin.  Kimberly is now happily married to Scott Racecic and lives in Fairview Park. His son Anthony married Rachael Margo and had two daughters, Julia and Sophia. They are happily married and live in Columbus, Ohio.

He loved and thoroughly enjoyed his 4 children and 8 grandchildren.  He would be prone to stop by and babysit the kids to allow the parents a night out.  He would be ready with a good night lullaby to help his granddaughters get to sleep.  He would also be quick to enlist the help of his grandsons to mow the yard or help with household choirs.  Always willing to help and eager to serve, he became an important part to the lives of many people.

Throughout his life, he was known by many names: Ralph, Junior, Dad, Paw, and Hampa.  Despite these nicknames, one thing was constant, his infectious smile. Ralph never met a stranger in his entire life.  Quick to talk to people, he made friends wherever he went.  From the truck yard, to the donut shop, to the neighborhood walking path, Ralph made friends and enlightened the lives of every person he ever met.

He was a redeemed Christian, a terrific son, a proud father, loving grandfather, dear friend, and good neighbor. He will be missed terribly, but his legacy will live on through the lives of his family and those fortunate people he was able to touch during his time here.

All Services private for family at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.