Sheriff Richard Lee Jones was born on November 2, 1948, to the late Altee Jennings and Billy Edward Jones.

Richard confessed his life to Christ at an early age and later became an active member of the Greater New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Obadiah Hall. Richard joined the deacon board and he gracefully served there faithfully until his health failed.

Richard graduated from Henry Weathers High School in Rolling Fork, MS. He continued his education at Coahoma Community College as well at Jackson State University where he acquired his health and physical education degree.

Richard was a pioneer of Issaquena County and a diligent worker. He worked multiple jobs as a dispatcher, garbage man, as well as a Meter Reader. Everything he did was legendary including his infamous days as DJ "Cisco Kid."

Richard decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement and completed his Mississippi Law Enforcement Training in 1995. He became a Deputy Sheriff under the leadership of the late Arthur "Bubba" Lawler where he devoted the next 10 years. Being a man of great faith, he strongly believed that God called him to run for office as sheriff. In 2004, he was elected as the first African American Sheriff of Issaquena County where he served faithfully for 18 years. He also served 20 years as a board member for Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA).

Another passion that was dear to Richard was farming. He was passionate about farming as he was about serving as sheriff. Sheriff Richard Jones had a love for corvettes, and he owned quite a few of them. He shared his love for cars as well as football with those who were close to him, especially his grandson. They had a bond like none other.

Richard was a man who genuinely loved God and people. God called him home on February 10, 2022, to gain eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his mother, Altee Jennings; father, Billy Edward Jones; son, Bret Boston; son, Roderick Gates; brother, Freddie Jones; sister, Annie Jones Harris; brother, Robert Jennings; brother, Michael Jennings; brother, Willie Jennings; and a special cousin, Gracie Green.

Sheriff Richard Jones was a selfless man of integrity that had a smile that will forever be cherished by his (3) sons: Jamie Voss, Richard Williams/Bam (Christy), Tevin Jones; (3) daughters: Shameka Norwood, Salmeilia Stewart, and Harmonie Harris; (14) grandchildren; (6) great grands; (5) sisters: Dorothy Palmer, Brenda Jennings, Janet Robinson (Arthur), Geraldine Carlisle (Melvin), Mildred Phillips; (2) brothers, Johnny Jones (Patricia) and Reginald Jennings; a special friend, Ann Shorter; (2) Best Buddies, Willie (Brenda) Peterson and Mr. Willie Bunton who raised him like one of his own; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.