Richard Rawlings Jones

Richard "Jonesy" Rawlings Jones, 81, of Dover, DE, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 28, 2025, at The Center for Eden Hill.
Born on October 4, 1943, in Millington, Maryland, he was the son of Hiram and Cora Jones. Known to many as "Jonesy," he was a hardworking man and a true jack-of-all-trades, guided by a do-it-yourself spirit. If he didn't know how to do something, it was only a matter of time before he figured it out-and made it look easy.
Jonesy spent the first half of his career as a heavy machine operator for Burger Construction, operating cranes to help build bridges and overpasses across the East Coast. Later, he joined the Capital School District, working as a custodian at Towne Point Elementary School.
After retiring, Jonesy embraced an active lifestyle and explored a variety of hobbies. Mornings often found him at Frenchie's dock in Bowers Beach with his Jack Russell Terrier, Chopper. At home, he was always busy-tending to the garden, tackling home improvement projects, working out, cooking delicious homemade meals, or preparing his boat for the next big trip out on the Delaware Bay.
In his later years, Jonesy loved relaxing on his back porch, feeding the birds and squirrels, growing plants for local wildlife, and spending quality time with family and friends-especially his great-grandson, Thomas.
Jonesy is survived by his son, James C. Jones of Harrington; his daughter, Kimberly R. Powell of Frederica; his sister, Mary Thompson of Harrington; his former son-in-law, Richard Powell; four grandchildren-Jimmy, Debbie, Paige, and Shelby; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, Dorothy Jones, and his siblings Walter, Thomas, Irene, and Virginia.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 10 to 11 AM in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna.