FRANKLIN - Richard Sloan Jones III, died on Nov. 1, 2022, at his home in Asheville. He was raised in Franklin, the son of Richard (Dick) S. Jones Jr. and Melissa O. Jones. Richard is survived by his parents; brother, Fred H. Jones (Jennifer); sister, Laura J. Caffrey; nephews, Lyle Jones and Conor Caffrey; nieces, Kate Jones and Keelin Caffrey; and literally thousands of close friends, relatives and fellow adventurers.
Richard’s formal education and first career was in hospitality and restaurant management, with an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from European University in Montreux, Switzerland. His informal education in hospitality came about in his grandmother Lois Jones’ kitchen and the family gatherings at the Jones cabin on Wayah Bald and at the family meeting (the Siler reunion).
His second career was in real estate, most recently as a listing specialist in Asheville. There he was close to new friends, family and things he loved: singing with the Asheville Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir and serving his church community at First Congregational United Church of Christ.
There is no doubt that Richard’s third career would have been travel. From his first trip to England as a teenager with his grandmother, to his African sojourns with Bryant McClure, to his international studies, Richard sought adventure with kindred spirits in beautiful places around the world. His collection of art, photographs and memories from his travels enriched his life and beckoned others to join him.
Richard’s greatest passions were music, cooking and beautiful flowers; but even more he enjoyed creating these very things for those whom he loved. In each of these he understood that, with thoughtfulness, vision and empathy, independent elements could be blended, each according to its own purpose to inspire, fulfill and celebrate. As in Romans 8:28, he knew that “in all things God works together with those who love Him to bring about what is good.”
Perhaps Richard’s greatest talent was the art of making lifelong friends. His zest for life, his knack for making time together a celebration and his deep loyalties to family and friends created bonds that endured. Richard charted his own course, but like his grandfather and father, to know him was to love him.
A celebration of Richard’s life will take place at Franklin First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 12.
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Flower Fund at First United Methodist Church in Franklin, the Franklin High School Music Department, and the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Asheville.
Online condolences may be made at moffittfunerals.com. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve the Jones family.