Hugh Randolph “Randy” Jones

To those who did not know Randy well, he could sometimes seem a little intimidating. He had a strong presence, a big personality, and a way about him that could make you think twice before crossing him. But those lucky enough to truly know him knew there was much more beneath that exterior. Randy loved deeply, worked tirelessly, laughed loudly, and was fiercely devoted to his family.

No one knew that better than his wife, Ethlyn Ruth “Ruthie” Jones. Throughout their life together, Randy never missed an opportunity to tell Ruthie she was beautiful. He bragged about how smart she was to anyone who would listen, and his love and admiration for her were unmistakable.

Randy had an extraordinary work ethic. He spent many years with Merita Bread, eventually becoming a regional manager and helping bring his region to number one in sales. Later, he joined the tire business started by his father. He first commuted to North Carolina to learn the business before opening Jones Tire Service locally.

For 15 years, Randy ran Jones Tire Service entirely on his own. His customers were fiercely loyal, and many became much more than customers. It was not unusual for someone to stop by the shop simply to sit, talk, and spend a little time with him.

Randy was the father of Stephen Jones and Allison Maxham and the proud grandfather of Stephanie Jones, Elizabeth Maxham, and Logan Maxham. Known as “Papa” to Elizabeth and Logan, he shared a close bond with them, built through everyday visits, backyard adventures, and time spent together. Those moments will remain among their most treasured memories.

Music was another language Randy spoke fluently. He had an almost unbelievable ability to hear a song and immediately name the title, the band, and often the year it was released. Rock n’ Roll provided the soundtrack to countless family memories, whether he was sharing a beer, playing air guitar, or simply enjoying the music he loved.

Randy also loved NASCAR and Carolina football. Whether it was race day or Gamecock football, he loved having something to watch, follow, talk about, and—undoubtedly—have an opinion about.

He could be tough and tender in the same breath, stubborn and loyal, hardworking and funny, and never afraid to make those opinions known.

Randy will be missed for his stories, his music knowledge, his love of NASCAR and Carolina football, his air guitar performances, his conversations at the tire shop, his larger-than-life personality, and all the little things that made Randy unmistakably Randy.

More than anything, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loved father, a proud grandfather, a brother, a businessman, and a friend.

Randy is survived by his wife, Ethlyn Ruth “Ruthie” Jones; his children, Stephen Jones and Allison Maxham and her husband, Jeff Maxham; his grandchildren, Stephanie Jones, Elizabeth Maxham, and Logan Maxham; his sisters, Debbie Dorman and her husband, Warren Dorman, and Jennifer Brown and her husband, John Brown; and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sadie Phillips and Hugh G. Jones, and his brother, Tony Jones.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home on Hardscrabble Road in Columbia, South Carolina.

For those who knew and loved Randy, perhaps one of the best ways to remember him is simple: turn up some classic rock, have a cold beer, tell a good story, cheer on the Gamecocks, and when “Free Bird” comes on, don’t even think about skipping it.