Robert Wayne 'Bob' Jones

Robert Wayne Jones "Bob" of Riner, Virginia passed peacefully at his home Monday, August 18, 2025. Robert was born in Galax, Virginia on October 8, 1947. He was a devoted husband and father. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Rebecca Norris Jones "Becky"; his parents, John Wayne and Hedi Jo Liddle Jones; his in-laws, Doris E. Norris and Lloyd Elwood Norris; his brother Michael Jones; and sister-in-law Debbie.

He is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca (Christy) Jones Epperly (Darren) of Newcastle, Virginia, and AmyLynn Jones Morris (Michael) of Livingston, Texas. Bob is also survived by his three adult grandchildren, Jessica (Rich), Austin (Grace), Joseph; and great-grandchild Lucas. Also surviving him is his brother, James D. Jones (Jimmy); sisters-in-law, Marilyn C. Jones, Sybil N. Taylor (Paul), Kathy N. Goodall (Bob); and brother-in-law, Paul E. Norris (Melonie). Bob will be greatly missed by numerous family members across the age spectrum, including cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and many friends he and Becky made through the years. 

Bob attended Charlotte County Schools Phenix Elementary and was a graduate of Randolph-Henry Highschool. He and his brothers were in the Marching Statesmen Band and Bob was the drum major for three years. In 1965, he and his brother (Jimmy) made the All-State Regional Band. He attended Bluefield College and Ferrum College earning his Associates in Business Degree. He was a Class A Contractor in Norris and Jones Construction Company, partnering with his Father-in-Law for over twenty years. He continued building as a superintendent for Fralin and Waldron in the New River Valley and in later years drove as a tour bus driver for Sunshine Tours and Black Tie. He used his building skills to help construct a sanctuary for Church of the Living Way, build homes for Habitat for Humanity, and renovated the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Bob was an active supporter of the Roanoke Valley Pony Club encouraging both his girls and niece Kimberly, as the girls competed together at many club events. He could always be seen beside the riding ring or near the cross country jumps with a booming “way to go!” as they finished their rounds!

Beneath Bob’s strong and imposing exterior was the man his grandchildren affectionately called "Papa Bear." He was quick to laugh, loved deeply, and gave freely. He lived and shared his Christian faith and values throughout his life. His devotion to Becky and his family was always evident to others. In order to secure the best education for their girls, Bob and Becky were pioneers for the homeschool community in Roanoke County emphasizing their Christian values, their faith, and the importance of family involvement. Both Bob and Becky enjoyed traveling, always together, always with special joy and laughter following them, as their time together was truly a special gift for them. Bob was an avid farmer providing food for his family and so many others with the beef cattle he raised and squash from his “small” garden that was often two plus acres. 

He had an adventurous nature and loved to travel with Becky to Cade’s Cove in Tennessee, the beach, trips across the country, and short weekend drives through the nearby countryside which were among their favorite journeys together.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Mount Tirzah Baptist Church, 194 Thomas Jefferson Hwy, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923. Visitation will be at eleven o’clock and Celebration of Life will be conducted at eleven thirty, with Graveside Service to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte Court House, Virginia. There will also be food and informal visitation after the graveside for those who wish to participate. An open invitation is extended to all friends and family who shared life’s experiences with Bob. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Grace House Missions @ www.bridgefamily.church/give (choose missions fund, then Grace House as the subfund. This is a safe house for girls in Thailand.