Ralph Edward Jones

Ralph Edward “Eddie” Jones, a lifelong resident of Florence, Mississippi, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 68. The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with burial to follow in the Garden of Memories.

Eddie was born on March 29, 1957, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Ralph E. Jones and Lena Mae Riles Jones. A proud graduate of Rankin Academy, he dedicated much of his life to public service. Eddie worked for the State of Mississippi for 25 years, serving in both the Department of Health and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. He also contributed to his community through local government, serving as an alderman for the city of Florence and later as mayor from 1999 to 2005.

In 1993, Eddie married Kellye McCall. They were married for 31 years until her passing in 2024.

Eddie was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Florence, where his faith and service to others were a central part of his life. Outside of work and public service, he enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his bulldogs, who were constant companions over the years.

He is survived by his mother, Lena Mae Jones; his sister, Lynn Dear (Ellis); his daughter, Kim Keyes (Shane); his son, Joshua Jones (Kellie); and his granddaughters, McKenzie McMillan, Kayleigh Forrest, and Ellery Jones. He also had one great-grandson, Miles McMillan. Eddie will be remembered for his commitment to his community, his steady presence, his faith, and his love for both his family and the simple pleasures of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Loving Hands Food Pantry at First Baptist Church Florence.