Mr. Arthur Richard Jones

STATESBORO, Ga. -- Mr. Arthur Richard Jones, age 67, passed away after an extended illness Wednesday morning.
"Richard" was a native of Statesboro, Georgia, and lived in this area most of his life. He was a 1970 graduate of Statesboro High School and joined the Army shortly thereafter. He was a private first class and served in the First Air Cavalry Division 1970-1972 with a tour of combat duty in Vietnam. He received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster & w/"V" device. He was a pipefitter for Local Union for 13 years and for the last Local 188 (Savannah) for 30 years.
Richard to most, "Daddy-O" to his kids and grandkids, loved his life and family passionately. He encouraged unity in his family with yearly gatherings filled with laughter, fun, food and a little dance and merriment to boot. In his leisure time when he was younger, he loved hunting and his bird dogs were among his favorite companions. "Daddy-O" was a one of a kind, cool dude that epitomized the free spirit of the 60's and 70s for the entirety of his life.
He was a resident of The Gardens at Southern Manor in Statesboro for the last two years and was known for his blunt honesty, humor and generosity to the other residents. He was never one to enjoy the good things in life alone. He loved a party and never failed to insist that a cake or treat be shared with his neighbors and friends at The Gardens. To quote Richard himself when reflecting over his life, "I had a whole lot of fun," and he certainly did. He was truly one of a kind and the world and his family will certainly not be the same without him here in it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Jim Washington Jones and Mrs. Ouida Stubbs Jones; a brother, James Henry "Jimmy" Jones; and a sister, Melba Jean Jones Garrett.
He is survived by his children, Kristi J. Barron (Steve Brown) of Statesboro, Alison Lynn Casilli, Statesboro; Mac Derick Jones (Martie Jones) of Woodstock, Ga.; Justin Lance Jones of Watkinsville, Ga.; and Chad Cleary of Winder, Ga. He is also survived by his brother, Vernon Eugene Jones (Sandra) of Augusta; and his sister, Juanita Marcucci of Pembroke Pines, Fla. His grandchildren, Carlie Daniels, Codi Johnson, Tara Jones, Nathaniel Jones, Gail Casilli, Megan Casilli, Savannah Jones, Nevaeh Jones, Brooke Cleary and Tyler Cleary, as well as several nieces and nephews survive him as well.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, November 6, 2017, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Reggie Spires officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be held in Eastside Cemetery of Statesboro.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Jones, Vaughn Jones, Codi Johnson, Mac Jones, Lance Jones, Benji Hall and Steve Brown. Honorary pallbearers: Chad Cleary and Jacob Jones.
Richard and his family request that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 201 South Main Street, Suite A, Statesboro, GA 30458; or to the residents of The Gardens at Southern Manor, 625 Gentilly Road, Statesboro, GA 30458, in lieu of flowers.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, November 4, 2017
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