Elder Christopher L. Rones

Christopher Levern Rones was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 20, 1963. He received his formal education in the Duval County Public School system. Then he later obtained his GED and the highest level CDL license attainable. As a child growing up, young Chris enjoyed the outdoors and was always the leader of the pack. Other children looked up to him because he was a very easy-going person, but most of the time, he was very quiet.

Chris had a special love for his maternal grandmother, Leola, and enjoyed spending his summer breaks with her. He began his first job at a gas station at the age of 14 and always maintained an exceptional work ethic throughout his life.

His mother encouraged him to visit the Southside Church of God in Christ, then located at 4058 St. Augustine Road, hoping that he would be inspired to make better decisions. A young minister, Minister Cedric Johnson, was an encouragement in the decision for Chris to change his lifestyle. With the encouragement of Minister Johnson, at the age of 20, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost while recovering from being shot seven times and on crutches. Doctors told Chris that he would never walk again, but after his Damascus Road experience, he has been running for the Lord ever since.

He heeded the call of God on his life and accepted his call as a minister under the leadership of his pastor, and was later ordained as an Elder. In his early years of ministry, Minister Chris Rones enjoyed traveling to preach with his brothers in the gospel: Minister Cedric Johnson, Minister Ralph Hughes, Minister Derrick Thomas, and Minister Timothy Smith. He served as a helper in the kitchen, traveled with the Prison Ministry, the Evangelism Ministry, the Elders and Ministers Department, Ward Leader, and in any areas that needed assistance. While faithfully serving, he was elevated to work even closer to his pastor, Bishop Edward Robinson, Sr., and was assigned to serve as an adjutant to his Bishop. Elder Rones enjoyed serving and traveling with Bishop Robinson, as this position was held dearest to his heart. He held this position until he became ill.

Elder Chris Rones was smart, an avid thinker, and worked in various job fields. He was employed by Jiffy Lube, Industrial Supplies, Flowers Bakery Outlet, John Deere (twice), Fresh Ministries (a nonprofit), and Beaver Street Enterprises. In the community, Elder Chris Rones was a businessman; he was the first African American to own a Golf Cart service in the city of Jacksonville.

On Sunday, July 1, 2017, he met the love of his life, Prophetess Kimberly Davis, after a chance encounter immediately after Sunday morning service. That afternoon, they went on their first date and became inseparable. Not many months afterwards, Chris and Kim were engaged and were united in Holy Matrimony on November 3rd of the same year. These two enjoyed traveling, evangelizing, outreach ministry, fellowshipping with the saints, and spending quality time laughing and having fun.

While employed at John Deere, Chris began to face some health challenges. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's with Lewey Body Dementia in May 2020. Due to the rapid progression of this disease, Elder Rones was forced to resign from John Deere in April 2021.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Elder Chris Rones went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his father, Sherman B. Rones, Sr.; his grandmother, Leola Bailey; and his grandson, Decory Howard.

Chris leaves to mourn, his devoted wife of eight years, Prophetess Kimberly Rones; his loving mother, Pastor Laverne Davis; one brother, Sherman B. Rones, Jr.; one sister, Sharon Gibbs (Pastor Eric); two step-sons, Samuel Costner and Kevon McCadney (Sophie); two sisters-in-law, Barbara Beckham and Ladonna Costner; one brother-in-law, Bernard Lee (Tyanna); three grandchildren, Orlancia Costner, Chace McCadney and Sienna McCadney; four nephews, Ryan Rones, Shawn Rones, Caleb Gibbs, and Joshua Gibbs; one niece, Zion Gibbs-Glade (John); one great-nephew, Levi Rones; two aunts, Florence Neeley and Viola Stevens; one God-daughter, Joyshawnah Shanks; a host of relatives, friends and the Southside Church of God in Christ Family.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.