Ronnie Jones - Drasco, Ark.

Ronnie Dean Jones, 59, of Drasco, formerly of Leachville, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, at his home.

Born in Leachville, he was the son of Violet Brooks Jones of Leachville and the late James C. Jones, and had been a Drasco resident for the past five years. He was a graduate of Leachville High School and was a member of the Church of Christ.

He retired from General Motors after 27 years in the Buick division in Flint, Mich. In addition to his work, he was able to pursue a career in music. He was a lead vocalist and guitarist on many recordings and toured with such noted bands as George Jones, Charlie Rich, George Morgan, Narvel Felts, Porter Wagoner and the Forrester Sisters.

In addition to his father, Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his sister Linda Kay Atkeison.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Byrd Jones of the home; three sons, Donny Stanley Jonesand James Edward Jones, both of Flint, and James Reimer of Grand Forks, N.D.; three daughters, Tina Marie Prichitt of Swartz Creek, Mich., Julia Flannery of Traverse City, Mich., and Jo Ann Lincoln of Owosso, Mich.; his mother, Violet; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Mr. Jesse Robertson officiating.

Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors today (Tuesday) from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and have asked that any memorials be sent to Paragould Children's Home or Cleburne County Hospice Program.