Larry Richard Jones, known by his friends as Rick, and lovingly by his family as “Pops”, 74, passed away November 23, 2021 surrounded by his family. Rick was born December 12, 1946 in Terrell, TX to Ben Duval Jr. and Mildred Jones.

Rick was an avid sports fan who loved football and loved playing golf. He was a star athlete at Terrell High School, getting recognized and receiving many awards as a quarterback, a baseball player and track athlete. He made it to the state High School finals as a pole vaulter, which is the one thing he tried and tried to teach his boys and grandkids.

Rick served in the U. S. Navy from August 1966 to April 1969. He was stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and then spent time as the Captain of a riverboat, aboard refueler 132-1 as a part of the river assault squadron while serving in the Vietnam War. There he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for Heroism and Valor in combat.

Rick was a very loyal man and worked very hard to provide for his family and teach his boys the work ethic he was taught by his dad. He worked as a surveyor for over 20 years for Roger Drommer Surveying. He later worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company for over 25 years. After retiring, he became a personal bus driver for his grandkids from different schools in Waxahachie, and loved every minute of it. He was always the first in the pickup line for each one and he knew all the teachers at each school and they all knew him. The best part of them being picked up were the snacks he had ready for them each afternoon, and the naps they took together after their long day. His mission in life was to make sure his wife, kids and grandkids were loved and well taken care of.

He was a people person who never met a stranger and made everyone feel like he had known them forever. He welcomed every person that came through the door with a hug you would never forget. He loved devoting his time to his grandchildren. You could find Pops on most days at the baseball fields, soccer fields, volleyball courts, the golf course, livestock shows, and anywhere his grandkids wanted to be. Pops’ love for his kids and grandkids will be present forever through each of them.

Rick is survived by his wife, Holly Jones, of 34 years, brothers Jerry Don Jones and wife Harriet of Mesquite, Dubbie Jones and wife Charlene of Terrell, sisters Nancy Darr and husband Dan of Canal Winchester, OH, Beth Willig and husband Joe of Terrell, sister in law Vicky Dyess and husband Jimmy of Waxahachie, sons Jeremy Jones and wife Kim, Casey Jones and wife Candice, Nick Jones and wife Lesley, Zach Jones and wife Leslie, grandkids, Emma, Avery, Ben, Ryann, Hayden, Case, Colton, and Lane, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mildred Jones.

Visitation to celebrate Rick’s life was held Saturday November 27th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. with a funeral service on Sunday November 28th at 2 p.m. at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel located at 511 West Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. He will have the honor and privilege to be laid to rest during a private burial at a later date at the DFW National Cemetery for his service in the U. S. Navy. Pallbearers will be Jeremy, Casey, Nick, Zach, Ben and Hayden Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are Case and Colton Jones.

The family is very appreciative and thankful for the care Bristol Hospice provided Pops and all of us.