"You are in my thoughts Master Guns! Semper Fi my brother. My heart goes out to this wonderful mans family. A true "Marines Marine" -Sgt Thomas Keller USMC"
In loving memory of
Rickey Lee Jones
April 15, 1966 - April 10, 2016
Rickey Lee Jones passed away at his home in Buda, Texas, surrounded by his wife, family, and friends on Sunday evening, April 10, 2016. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 15, 1966. He attended Clay High School where he was part of the cross country, track, and wrestling teams. He met Lisa, the love his life, during high school in the summer of 1984. Rickey joined the Marine Corps on September 9, 1985. Two years later, he married Lisa on December 11, 1987. Most important, Rickey was a loving husband to his wife Lisa, and a father to their two dogs, Bella and Kona, and their cat Z.
Forever a Marine, Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Jones spent over 25 years in the Marine Corps before retiring from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, in January 2011. Rickey spent his time in the Marine Corps as a Military Policeman, member of the Marine Corps Triathlon team, and member of the Marine Corps Cross Country team. He made a lasting impact on many Marines in both their personal and professional lives. General James Mattis (Ret.) made popular the saying about Marines, No better friend, no worse enemy. This was an absolute truth of Rickey as there was no better friend than him; however, he had no enemies. Rickey never met a person he couldnt find common ground with.
Rickey lived life to the fullest, traveling the world, competing in triathlon-Iron Man competitions, and spending time with friends. All of these things he did with his best friend and wife, Lisa. Their home was always open to countless friends who passed through their homes in North Carolina, Japan, Hawaii, California, and Texas.
A memorial service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, Texas on April 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. while receiving full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ironman Foundation.
Anyone with a memory, story, or photos, please submit share them in the comments below so all of Rickeys family and friends can reflect on memories of him together.
Tributes
"It's been 24 hours since we heard of Rickey's passing. I am still in disbelief and so sad we couldn't make the trip to his celebration of life. After rereading what I wrote last night, there was so much more to say about Rickey Jones. He was first and foremost a devoted and loving husband to his wife Lisa. She was the love of his life. I have never in all my years seen a couple more crazy in love for each other than they were. He was a fearless Marine. Rickey ended up being a Lifer and retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years. Rickey was everyone's friend, he was fearless, he was an amazing athlete. He made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Rickey was super funny, and had the best laugh, and contagious smile of anyone I have ever known. I recall his dog Brutus. (In the early 90's) That dog absolutely loved and respected Rickey. The memories are endless. Lisa- if you are reading this, please call me. I don't have any contact info on you. My number is 281-229-0792. All our love and sympathy, Margo & Larry"
"You helped me recover from multiple knee surgeries and never let me get down about it. You even took me back and forth to physical therapy. I will always miss the days of living in the Geo barracks in Barstow, grabbing dinner every night and just hanging out. I am going to miss you brother. RIP my friend"
"I remember Ricky from when I was a Cpl with the Accident Investigation Unit at Kaneohe MCAS, he was a Sgt then and was the lone Game Warden. He always had me laughing and was one of the first up to see me at Tripler after I suffered a brain aneurysm. Always looking up, always with a smile and always with a protein bar and fruit!! Lisa I remember Ricky introducing us one day out on patrol, you were at home with the dogs and had lunch waiting for us. We got to talking about my serious hatred for running and how I was hoping to get my time below 12:00. A few weeks later was out PFT and as we ran down the hill and as we all turned out on Harris towards Mokapu Rd there you were, waiting with a grin to run with me!! You chatted the whole time, keeping me motivated as I gasped for air, in the end you were laughing as we crossed the finish line and I was throwing up! My time was 10:45, best time my whole enlistment!! Thank you for that day, and thank you for being so good to Ricky. He was truly one of the greats and I'm proud to call him friend, brother, MARINE!!"
"I served with Rickey at 2ndFSSG during his first enlistment. He was a great friend who inspired and influenced more Marines than one could imagine. I remember his version of soccer that was introduced to our company. He called it combat soccer. Pretty much anything it took to get the ball through the goal was ok. After a couple of months we were no longer permitted to play because of injuries. I believe Rickey injured or broke a bone in his lower leg. It didn't matter because he could out run everyone of us with one leg if he had to. God bless Lisa and all of Rickey's family. Rest in peace brother."
"Sad night for Larry and I. The Marine Corp was our world the first 6 years of our marriage. Our house was the home all the single marines came home to on the weekends. It was not uncommon to wake up to Marines eating our food, sleeping in our sofa, or taking a shower in our bathroom. And, we enjoyed each and everyone of them!! We are devastated tonight because we lost one of the Marines that pretty much lived with us for a few years. His beautiful wife Lisa and he actually lived with us for about 6 weeks after they got married while they looked for housing. Then, after the Persian Gulf War I was living in Ohio while Larry finished his final months in the Corps and Rickey & Lisa would let us stay with them instead of getting a hotel. It's been years since we've seen Rickey and Lisa but we always corresponded at Christmas. The last time I spoke to Rickey was right after Kelleigh was born and I'll always remember that conversation. Rickey and I shared a love for driving very fast and he loved to put me on a pedestal about my skills. I'll never forget the time Rickey & Mike Corbin allowed me to transform them in to punk rockers... Oh, the memories! May God hold Lisa tight right now and may Rickey rest in eternal peace. I am still in shock."
"Ricky, you were one of my best friends in the Corps. I will miss you, more than you know! Semper Fi. Love you brother!"
"Rick is my best memory of the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, he may never know just how much he meant to me, and countless others. He was a superb man, a model Marine, and a wonderful loving husband to Lisa. Rick served me as not only my mentor as a Marine, but also as a great friend and confidant. As I look back, I remember a consistent theme and memory. Rick loved Lisa. Rick loved Lisa greatly and demonstrated to me what it meant to be a good husband, many years before I met my own wife. Rick contributed to my development in life in general, and inspired me in more ways than he probably ever knew. Im honored to have known him, and to call him my friend. I miss him greatly, and I will forever."
"Semper Fi Brother Heaven has another Marine guarding its Gates Gysgt Tom Wiegand"
"I only met you once while shopping at the mall, I heard endless stories from Lisa about your expensive bikes for your rides and races. We both had a mutual friend we both knew in the marine corps, rest in peace devil dog, Semper fi"
"Rickey was our neighbor. When I met Rickey and he mentioned that he was a retired Marine there was that immediate bond that Marines share. Even between an old devil dog like myself and a younger Marine. He knew he was terminal and never told anyone. He never complained. And he always had time to chat with the neighbors and would say "have a good day".He was one hell of a brave man. He was a "Marine's , Marine." I would want him watching my back in a fire fight any day. He clearly was crazy about his wife Lisa. And he loved those dogs he walked constantly. My wife Nancy and I will dearly miss Rickey. God Bless Rickey and Lisa. Ernest Williams / Sgt. USMC 68-70"
"Rick was a very good friend that I grew close to during OIF I. I remember him leading convoys while he was sicker than a dog because he led from the front. A skilled athlete who would give guidance and mentoring to any who ask. He never thrust his expertise on anyone and he never addressed anyone, regardless of rank in a condescending manner. I just spoke with him a couple weeks ago and I set that up by leaving a voicemail on his phone specifically for Lisa as I knew she'd ensure he didn't forget to call back. I'll miss you brother and although I know you always said you weren't a fan. O-H"
"1997 then SSgt Jones, was my watch commander. As everyone knows, was quite the running. Well...I wasn't. I could knock out PFT but when it came to distance, you could forget about it. Over the next year he turned that all around, after countless trips around "the big loop" on K-Bay he taught me to run and gave me a passion that I still carry to this day. I am running 1000 miles this year, I know that every mile from here out I'll remember what he taught me and his laughter that so infectious. RIP MGySgt.. Semper Fi!!'"