Richard Sloan Jones, III, died on November 1, 2022, at his home in Asheville. He was raised in Franklin, North Carolina, the son of Richard (Dick) S. Jones, Jr. and Melissa O. Jones. Richard is survived by his parents, brother Fred H. Jones (Jennifer), sister Laura J. Caffrey, two nephews (Lyle Jones and Conor Caffrey) and two nieces (Kate Jones and Keelin Caffrey). He is also survived by literally thousands of close friends, relatives, and fellow adventurers. Richard's formal education and first career was in hospitality and restaurant management, with an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a Master's degree from European University in Montreux, Switzerland. His informal education in hospitality came about in his grandmother Lois Jones' kitchen and the family gatherings at the Jones cabin on Wayah Bald and at Family Meeting (the Siler reunion). His second career was in real estate, most recently as a Listing Specialist in Asheville, North Carolina. There he was close to new friends, family, and things he loved: singing with the Asheville Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir and serving his church community at First Congregational United Church of Christ. There is no doubt that Richard's third career would have been travel. From his first trip to England as a teenager with his grandmother to his African sojourns with Bryant McClure to his international studies, Richard sought adventure with kindred spirits in beautiful places around the world. His collection of art, photographs, and memories from his travels enriched his life and beckoned others to join him. Richard's greatest passions were music, cooking, and beautiful flowers; but even more he enjoyed creating these very things for those whom he loved. In each of these he understood that, with thoughtfulness, vision, and empathy, independent elements could be blended, each according to its own purpose-to inspire, fulfill, and celebrate. As in Romans 8:28, he knew that "in all things God works together with those who love Him to bring about what is good." Perhaps Richard's greatest talent was the art of making lifelong friends. His zest for life, his knack for making time together a celebration, and his deep loyalties to family and friends created bonds that endured. Richard charted his own course, but like his grandfather and father, to know him was to love him. A celebration of Richard's life will take place at Franklin First United Methodist Church at 3:00pm on Saturday November 12, 2022. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Flower Fund at First United Methodist Church (Franklin, North Carolina), the Franklin High School Music Department (Franklin), and the First Congregational United Church of Christ (Asheville, North Carolina). Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve the Jones family.