Ronnie Jones

Ronald Roy “Ronnie” Jones, 79, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at his home in Athens, GA, with his wife of 45 years, June, by his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Jones and Jeannie Au Claire Jones, and three brothers; Robbie Jones, Rusty Jones and Randy Jones.

He is survived by his wife, June Heard, daughter, Suzanna (Eli) Karatassos, and granddaughter, Bianca Karatassos, of Athens, Georgia, older brother Dickie Jones (Cheryl) of Cumming, Georgia, and only sister, Mary Ann Jones Cheatham of Winterville, Georgia. He is also survived by five nephews, Hank Cheatham, Mitchell Jones, Walker Jones, Alex Jones and Ryan Jones. He has two nieces, Annie Cheatham and Riley Jones and two great nephews, Quinn Hilten and Theo Jones, with one great niece, Margaret Cheatham.

Ronnie grew up in Griffin, Georgia, in a large and loving family. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Griffin High School in 1965. He worked for Eastern Airlines while attending Georgia State University in Atlanta before joining the Air Force in 1967, specializing in Air Traffic Control. Ronnie was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam, at the busiest airport in the world at that time during the height of the Vietnam War, before being honorably discharged in 1971. Ronnie then moved to Athens, Georgia, to attend The University of Georgia where he majored in Archeology. Ronnie lived for a time in Bogart, Georgia, and was a proud founding member of the Bogart Bombers Volleyball Team. It was at a volleyball game in Farmington, Georgia, that he met his future wife, June Heard. After that initial meeting, they saw each other again several years later and were inseparable after that meeting.

After the birth of their daughter, they began working to establish their first restaurant, T-Bones on Baxter Street, Athens, Georgia, with their partner, Jerry Scheer. Ronnie and June worked hard on this project and with a lot of help from their friends over the years, the business grew into three additional restaurants including: Seabones, T-Bones Takeout and Banquet Room. A second T-Bones was established in Conyers, Georgia, with Steve Kelleher, and a third T-Bones followed in Greenville, South Carolina, while partnering with Rusty Jones, Randy Jones and Bob Cordell, who eventually took over ownership. Their last endeavor was establishing a T-Bones in Commerce, Georgia. Although hours of effort and labor were required, the success of these restaurants was a great source of pride and enjoyment for Ronnie and June for 25 years.

Ronnie and June, along with Sky Hertwig, looked at a long-closed restaurant, formerly Holly’s Landing to open as a banquet facility. But after much deliberation, they decided to make this beautiful place their home. After years of renovation, they moved into the property in 1999. Soon after, Ronnie was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he overcame after several near-death experiences. The wear and tear eventually ended his restaurant ventures in 2005. He took a well-deserved retirement, and he and June travelled in the United States and extensively in Mexico.

Ronnie Jones was extremely generous and was the happiest when he was doing things for other people. He enjoyed his huge extended family and loved his own family. Most importantly he loved his granddaughter, Bianca, endearingly called “Bb.” Bb was the light of his life. Even during the worst of his extended illness, she made him smile, no matter how he was feeling.

The love and pride he had for his daughter, Suzanna, too was unlimited. He was encouraging of Suzanna and her current run for the Georgia State House of Representatives. Ronnie was a staunch Democrat his entire life. Suzanna’s husband, Eli, alongside June, was a caregiver and best friend to Ronnie since he became ill. They loved to watch sports together and rooting for the GA Bulldogs was a must.

Ronnie enjoyed fishing in his lake and cooking the fish he caught. He was always cooking, tackling long and exotic recipes. He enjoyed the music scene in Athens and Atlanta over the years. He attended many Widespread Panic and REM concerts showing his support, enthusiasm and appreciation for his buddies and friends. He was an exceptional dancer and loved twirling his favorite girls, leading them across the dance floor.

Ronnie Jones was One of a Kind. He was a real man and was truly a much-loved character. He will be sorely missed!

A Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will be held at The Globe, Upstairs, 199 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA on Monday, September 28 from 6 to 8 PM.

The family genuinely appreciates the outpour of love, and in keeping with Ronnie’s wishes - in lieu of flowers, please Vote in the upcoming elections and consider making a donation to Suzanna’s Campaign at Suzannaforstatehouse.com

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com