Ryan Matthew Jones, a devoted husband, father, firefighter, auctioneer, car salesman, businessman and servant leader, leaves behind a legacy of dedication to his family, community, and fellow firefighters.
Following a lengthy courageous battle of cancer, Ryan, 43, passed away on September 23, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family at his side at his home.
Ryan was born July 16, 1982, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Ronald and Susie Graham Jones. He graduated from Hoxie High School in 2000. He attended Black River Technical College for Fire Science.
From the very beginning, Ryan was a part of the family business at Bud Jones & Sons Used Cars. Driving by the age of five and unloading car haulers by twelve, he grew up surrounded by the work and the people who made it special. The car lot wasn’t just a job to him—it was family, tradition, and pride. Through those early experiences, Ryan discovered a lifelong passion for the auction service. In 2004, he became a licensed auctioneer through the State of Arkansas, building a successful career while also sharing his remarkable talent with others. Ryan generously volunteered his skills for numerous local charities, including the Lawrence County Junior Auxiliary, Lawrence Memorial Health Foundation, and the Lawrence County Fair, among many others. He loved serving his community, and his annual Christmas auction became a cherished tradition. Through his personal matching donations, countless children enjoyed a brighter Christmas via the Lawrence County Angel Tree—proof of Ryan’s generosity, dedication, and unwavering heart for helping others.
From an early age, Ryan’s passion for firefighting took root, and he never wavered in his desire to serve. He embraced the camaraderie and brotherhood of the fire service, forming bonds that will last a lifetime. Ryan took immense pride in protecting his community, always mindful of the responsibility and honor that came with the job. In addition to being Deputy Chief of Walnut Ridge Fire Department, Ryan served as the former Three Rivers District Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association President, Secretary/Treasurer, and various other roles within the Arkansas State Firefighter’s Association.
While Ryan was deeply dedicated to his work, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Andrea and a loving father to Emma and Cailin, who were his pride and joy. Ryan was truly the heart of his family. He loved grilling out, spending cherished time with his nieces and nephews, and creating memories in the simple, everyday moments that will forever be treasured.
Ryan’s legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on in all who knew him. His selflessness, his humor, and his unwavering strength will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Andrea; his twin daughters, Emma and Cailin; his beloved cat, Milo; his parents, Ron and Susie Jones; his sister, Kelsie (James) Cagle; his in-laws, Robert and Debbie Rice; brother in-law, Jason (Stasha) Rice; his nephews, Grant Cagle, Tristen Rice, Tyler Rice, Isaac Rice, Jacob Rice, Blayze Rice, and his nieces, GlennaKate Cagle; Selena Rice, Courtney Rice, special cousin, Jeff Williams, his fire family and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Glendon & Ruby Graham, and paternal grandparents, Bud & Hazel Jones.
Visitation is Sunday, September 28th at Main Street Church in Walnut Ridge from 5pm-8pm. Funeral services are Monday, September 29th at 10am Main Street Church of Christ with Dennis Truxler and Rob Combs officiating. Burial will be in Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of Bryan’s Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial, PO Box 56470, Little Rock, Arkansas 72215, or Lawrence Healthcare Food Pantry, PO Box 839, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476, in Ryan’s honor