He was a 1959 graduate of Drew Central High School and a 1963 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He was honored to be inducted into the Drew Central Hall of Fame in 2011.
Sonny built a successful logging company after starting with a few pieces of equipment left to him by his dad, Carroll. R. D. Jones Logging is still going strong today under the leadership of his son Rob and grandsons, Beau and Tyler.
In 1991 Sonny was one of seven logging contractors who formed the Arkansas Timber Producer's Association. The mission of this group was for the betterment of the logging industry in the state. Sonny was elected the first president, a position he held for four years. In the late 1990's he was selected as Georgia Pacific's Outstanding Logger of the Year for the state of Arkansas at which time he was featured in the national magazine, The Logging Times. At the time of his presidency of ATPA, the Log-A-Load for Arkansas Children's Hospital was formed. Sonny and his wife, Phyllis, were volunteers for the first Arkansas telethon and he, along with many others, were instrumental in organizing the first Drew County Log-A-Load. He was a member of the Arkansas Forestry Association for many years.
Sonny's volunteer service to Drew County began when he was in his early thirties. He was thirty-two years old when he was elected to serve on the Drew Central School Board, a position he held from 1973-1983. During this time he served as chairman. He was in the same year elected to represent Drew County on the C and L Electric Co-op Board, a position he held for 27 years. While serving on the board he was instrumental in procuring the electric sub-station for the Lacey/Ladelle area. During this time he also served on the Drew Memorial Hospital Board and served as interim chairman at one time. In 1998 he was appointed to represent Drew County on the Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Board and was serving as vice-president at the time of his death. He was at one time, a member of the Twenty for the Future, a group working on procuring industry for the county.
In 1980 he was appointed to the Commercial Bank Board of Directors, a position he held until recently when he resigned due to his illness. He is a member of the United Methodist Church of Monticello and has served on the Pastor/Parish Committee and the Finance Committee.
He was appointed by Governor Mike Beebe to serve on the Arkansas Development Finance Authority in 2011.
Sonny's involvement in logging brought about a strong desire to project a positive image for the industry. This led to his extensive service to the state, regional, and national organizations designed to preserve our natural resources. He was selected to serve on the Drew County Conservation Board; elected as President of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts; President of the Southeast Arkansas Resource, Conservation, and Development Council; and President of the regional RC & D Council which included the states of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. In 2010 he was installed as a member of the Executive Board of the National Association of Conservation Districts. In 2011 he was inducted into the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts Hall of Fame. In 2002 he was selected as the Arkansas Outstanding District Director of the year. This was in recognition of his work in sponsoring both a state and four-state regional forestry contest for high school students.
Sonny is survived by his wife of 29 years, Phyllis Jones; two sons, Rob (Lori) and Jon of Lacey; a step-daughter Dr. Andrea Puyear of Andover, Kansas and a step-son, Steve Puyear of Blytheville; two grandsons, Beau (Kohl) and Tyler (Korry) and three great grands, Carter, Davis and Evy Claire.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be John David Kellum, Will Hunter, Jesse Bone, Ralph Hunter, Jeff Watson, and Paul Griffin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Harold West, George Harris, Danny Drake, David Burnett, Mike Stewart, Wendall Patrick, Harold Mitchell, Dennis Holley, and John Fortin.
Burial will be in the Lacey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello, Methodist Church at Lacey, or the Lacey Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(15)
Martha D Manley
Aubrey, AR Sunday, April 25, 2021 I would consider Sonny a true example for all of us to follow. Having known him through AACD ,great leadership to our local Conservation Districts and to all that he met. My condolences to Phyllis and to his sons and all who make up his family. He will not be forgotten but be an example for us all.Jane Ann Bilon
Sherwood, AR Sunday, April 25, 2021 Phyllis and family,I am very sorry to hear about Sonny. May God's grace surround you and give you peace.
Debbie McCrackin
Carthage, AR Friday, April 23, 2021 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I attended UAM and often visited Aunt Grace. She always welcomed us and we enjoyed our visits there. It was nice to have family close to visit. Debbie Smith McCrackin ( daughter of Carroll Ray Smith from Tulip).Randy and Faye Lewis
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 Phyllis and family, We are praying for God’s comfort at this sad time. Sonny was such a great friend to all and a gentleman at all times. He will be missed by so many.Chuck West and Sandy Longhorn
Little Rock, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 Thinking of you at this difficult time.Love,
Chuck West and Sandy Longhorn
Larry & Ann Kling
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Sonny he was a kind gentleman. Prayers for the family at this difficult time.Jim & Elgenia Ross
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 Sonny will be truly missed by all and our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family Elgenia and JimNita McDaniel
, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 My prayers are with Mr. Sonny's family and friends. I had great respect for him. He will be greatly missed.Deb & Steve Morrison
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 So sorry, one of our favorite peopleMartha Horn
Hamburg, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 Prayers are with all.🙏🙏Chuck West and Sandy Longhorn
Little Rock, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 We are terribly sorry for your loss. We will miss Mr. Jones.Chuck West
Gloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 So sorry to hear this, Sonny was a true gentleman, I knew him from Commercial Bank Really a nice guy! Prayers for allLarry and Patti Boccarossa
Little Rock, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 Phyllis and family, Patti, me, Ashley and Stephanie are deeply saddened about the passing of Sonny. As you know, we've known Sonny since the beginning of the ATPA. Sonny, a founding member and first President of the ATPA, always worked toward furthering the Association's goals and its' members' interests. He will be truly missed. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all as you go through this very difficult time.Eddie and Patty Young
McGehee, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Sonny passing away. We will be praying for the family. May God give each of you strength and comfort. Eddie and Patty YoungAmy Daniels
, AR Thursday, April 22, 2021 May your family find peace in your sweet memories and lessons learned by Mr. Sonny. My thoughts and prayers.