Richard Lee Jones, affectionately known as "Ricky," 69, of Deland, Florida, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Indigo Manor Rehab Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Ricky was born on January 10, 1957, in Deland, Florida, to the late Elaine Jones Mayfield and Claude Smith. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, the late Lula and Charlie Jones, who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and hard work that he carried throughout his life.

He attended Volusia County Schools and was a proud graduate of Deland High School, Class of 1975. Ricky went on to build a career of dedicated service with the Volusia County Transfer Station in Deland, Florida, from which he later retired.

Those who knew Ricky knew of his love for bingo and football — passions he delighted in sharing with his wife, family, and friends. He was a faithful and devoted member of Central Fellowship Baptist Church in Lake Helen, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Lamar Breedlove, where his commitment to his faith was steady and true.

No matter what kind of day he was having, Ricky could always be counted on to flash his big smile and say, "I'm OK" — a simple phrase that spoke to the strength, warmth, and easy joy he brought into every room.

Ricky leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Diani Norwood Jones; his stepson, Willie "Nay" Norwood (Shantal Holmes-Norwood) of Orlando, Florida; and his step-grandsons, the late Alexander Holmes, Henry "KJ" Kemp IV, Federal Agent Curtis Holmes, and Jaylen Holmes. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Tyrone Norwood (Pansy Norwood), Wayne Norwood (Angie), and Benjamin Jones; his sisters-in-law, Debra Jones, Delphine Alexander, Lynette Thompson, and Johnette Leonard (Daelwyne Leonard); his aunts, Patsy Donaldson of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Maxine Ross of Daytona Beach, Florida; his uncle, Charlie Jones Jr. (Ike) of Newburgh, New York; his beloved friend, Brother Arnold; and a host of loving cousins, extended family members, and friends.

There will be a service on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Lankford Funeral Home with the Visitation starting at 11:00 AM. The Funeral Service begins at 1:00 PM followed by a Repass from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Ricky will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends, and in the lives of all those he touched along the way.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of people, who have no hope. For we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14