Ronald Jones

A Faithful Servant

Ronald “Bumper” Jones

Ronald Jones known as “Judge”, “Ron” and affectionately called “Bumper” since his childhood was born in Smithville, Texas on July 25, 1950 to Hillie Howard and Ada Mae (Price) Jones. He was the second child of their three children.  

Ron accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Church by Reverend R.L. Elder and his maternal Grandfather Deacon Willie Price.

He was educated in the Smithville Independent School District attending Mary A. Brown Elementary School and graduated from Smithville High School, Class of 1968.  

After completing high school, Ron continued his education at Paul Quinn College located in Marshall, Texas.  At Paul Quinn, Ronald engaged in many student activities and organizations.  He became a member of the distinguished brothers Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.   Ronald successfully completed his studies to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education, May 1972.  He earned a Master of Social Science from Prairie View A & M University, May 1978 and Master of Arts in History from Stephen F. Austin University, May 1979.  

After earning his bachelor's, Ron began his career at Wiley College as an Administrator. He later became the Vice President of Student Affairs for Paul Quinn College which is also located in Marshall.  In the late seventies, he relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. During this time, he worked for more than 30 years for the state of Michigan in many roles.  He was an Assistant Principal, Michigan State Trooper, Recruiter and Trainer for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Ron was also an Advisor to the Deputy Warden and Institutional Shift Supervisor Level 1 & 2 at the same institution.

In early 2000, Ron returned to Smithville to care for his beloved Mother. He truly enjoyed being home. He reunited with his home church Mt. Pilgrim where he served in many roles and eventually became Chairman of the Deacon Board.  He stepped out of retirement and began working for the City of Smithville Police Department as a Police Dispatcher.  He moved on to work for the Bastrop County Juvenile Detention Center as a Juvenile Probation Officer.  In 2008, he returned to work for the City of Smithville appointed as the Municipal Court Judge.  Ron was active in all aspects of community service and local politics.  He loved interacting with the community and helped coordinate many local events. His active participation led him to co-found the Smithville City Gardens. This became a labor love that has united the local community and serves to educate and entertain citizens of all ages. His desire was to see Smithville continue citywide growth and overall improvement. A natural leader, Ron sponsored a voter's registration drive which led him to form an election campaign to run for the City Council and later City Mayor. He continued his civil and community service until his passing.

He had affiliation and membership in the following organizations:  

Bastrop County Care Committee

Friends of the Smithville Library

Housing Authority Board

Keep Bastrop County Beautiful

Littler Dribblers, Coach

Master Mason

MLK Beautification Program

MLK Scholarship Committee

Noon Lions Club

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Smithville Community Gardens

Smithville Empty Bowl Project

Smithville Food Pantry Board

Smithville Garden Club

Smithville Homecoming Committee

Smithville Planning and Zoning Committee

Texas Municipal Court Association

Texas Municipal League

Smithville Police Association

Smithville Truancy Reduction Program

Texas Young Lawyers Association

Wesley Nurse Health Committee

After a lifetime of service, commitment, and caring for his family, friends and community,  Ron departed this life on Saturday the 22nd of September 2018.  He is preceded in death by his parents Hillie and Ada Jones, sisters Helen Ruth Garner and Sherrye Ann Moore and many other loved ones.   

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Regina Watson Jones, daughter Dana Jones Foster (Kamau), stepson Eric Culberson, Jr., granddaughters Bre’nay Jones, BriKiah Jones, Bra’Shay Foster, Eriana Culberson, Eliana Culberson and Milani Culberson; including his only living aunt Doris Price and loving mother-in-law Katie Jackson, cherished friend and brother Hiwatha Williams and a host of relatives and friends.

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