January 5, 1962 – March 31, 2011Richard S. Jones III, age 49, of Crossett, AR passed away on March 31, 2011. He was born on January 5, 1962 in Crossett, AR to his parents, Sylvia Jones Arnold and the late Richard S. Jones, Jr. Richard better known as “Rick” was the fourth generation President and owner of Jones Companies, an organization that includes Jones Funeral Home, Inc.; Jones Flower Shop; and Pinewood Memorial Park, Inc., “A perpetual care cemetery”.
Rick was a lifelong resident of Crossett who began working at Jones Funeral Home and Flower Shop in 1976 at the age of 14 on the cemetery crew. Learning the family business from the basics was a requirement for advancement in the company. He is a 1980 graduate of Crossett High School; he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and is a 1983 graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.
He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Crossett. Rick had been involved in numerous Civic and Philanthropic organizations since his return to Crossett from college. He served on the administrative board and several committees at First United Methodist Church, and had served as Chairman of the Crossett Municipal Airport Commission.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Lisa Rene’ Bays Jones of Crossett, AR; his son, Richard S. Jones IV of Indianapolis, IN; his daughter, Jennifer Kate Jones of Lake Village, AR his mother, Sylvia Arnold of Fayetteville, AR; one brother, William Ashley Jones of Fayetteville, AR; two aunts, Patricia Jones Bridgforth of Fairhope, AL and Penny Jones of Olympia, WA; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He dedicated his life to his family, friends and community. He was an avid gardner, sportsman and an accomplished pilot. He loved to travel with his family. He will leave a legacy of service to the community.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 500 Main Street, Crossett, AR 71635.