Richard Marion Jones, 79, passed away on February 1 ^st 2022, at Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA. He was born in Salisbury, NC on January 16 ^th , 1943, to William M. and Evelyn "Tootsie" Kennedy Jones of Spencer, NC. He received his education from North Rowan High School and Catawba College. He held both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree. While his first love was coaching football, he was also a dedicated classroom teacher who encouraged his students to excel to the best of their ability, while maintaining fair but strict discipline. His career in education took him to several high schools: Madison-Mayodan in Rockingham County; West Mecklenburg, Garinger, Olympic, and North Mecklenburg high schools in Charlotte.

In 1992, Richard retired from teaching in the public schools and began working with Rita and Mickey Sabella in their private driver's ED school. When this school closed, he went to work at Duke Energy in the Mosquito and Noxious Weed Control department. Richard greatly enjoyed this job since his route kept him on Lake Norman where he had logged many hours of fishing, beginning his own fishing guide business, Silverhook Fishing. He maintained his love of fishing, primarily on Lake Norman as long as he was able.

As his health began to fail, Richard and his wife Marsha decided to relocate to Portsmouth, VA, to be near their son Bart and his family. After only a few months in Portsmouth, he contracted the Covid virus and succumbed to pneumonia, with Marsha and Bart at his side.

Richard was a loving husband to Marsha. They were married at Newell, NC, on December 17 ^th 1966 and renewed their vows on December 23 ^rd 1988. They celebrated their 55-year marriage on December 17 ^th 2021. Richard was a believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior and spent many hours in prayer. When he could no longer attend church, he enjoyed Dr. Charles Stanley's In Touch Ministry on TV every Sunday. He was also a great admirer of Billy Graham and his son Franklin. He grew in his faith through listening to these television broadcasts.

Richard was a staunch Conservative and supported a strict interpretation of the Constitution of the USA, especially the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights, and voting rights provided in the Constitution of the USA. He was a member of the NRA and the SCV, being proud of his Southern heritage.

He is survived by his loving wife Marsha, his son Bart, his daughter-in-law Suzanne, and granddaughter Shelby. He also leaves behind cousins Ed Kennedy and Linda Kennedy Gore of Columbia, SC, and Curtis Crowell of Las Vegas, NV. He cherished his friends who survived him: Eddie Dickson, Calvin Barringer, and Phil Little; and greatly missed the ones who preceded him in death: Doug Brogden, Watt Burris, David Sachsenmeier, Jack Reid, Sid Mabry, and Cary Wilkerson.

The family appreciates the kindness of the Maryview Medical Center Palliative Care staff, and of those at Foster Funeral Home, both of Portsmouth. There are no services planned at this time. Memorial donations may be sent to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28201.