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2007 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 574
Commending Robert Jones. 

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 12, 2007
Agreed to by the Senate, January 18, 2007

 

WHEREAS, Robert Jones is recognized for his outstanding community service and his longtime commitment to the athletes, the student body, and the coaching staff of Highland Springs High School; and

WHEREAS, at 69 years old, Robert "Stoney" Jones could easily be one of the most recognizable residents of Highland Springs, and nearly every alumnus of Highland Springs High School for the past 50 years would remember his name; and

WHEREAS, as the beloved ball boy and manager of the Highland Springs football, basketball, and baseball teams for five decades, Stoney Jones can recite Springer scores, league records, and the highlights of all the big games; and

WHEREAS, Stoney Jones, the son of a Wise, Virginia, coal miner who died of black lung disease, went, along with his two brothers, to live in the Masonic Home of Virginia, then a home for children in need; and

WHEREAS, all three Jones brothers attended Highland Springs High School, but Stoney left school in the sixth grade after suffering whooping cough, a high fever, and residual learning disabilities, which ended his formal education; and

WHEREAS, in the 1950s, the eldest brother Joe, a star football player, and Al Rinaldi, the celebrated Springer coach, decided to make a place for Stoney Jones as a volunteer for the Highland Springs athletic teams; and

WHEREAS, delighted with the opportunity to participate alongside his big brother, Stoney Jones began his career as Highland Springs' ball boy; he continued his role as manager long after his brother Ronnie played football for Coach Rinaldi; and

WHEREAS, an integral figure in Highland Springs sports lore over the years, Stoney Jones has missed only about a half-dozen games out of nearly 600 during his 57 years as a manager and is always missed by the players and the crowd when he is not on duty; and

 WHEREAS, Stoney Jones has remained steadfast to the Springers, because "he loves his kids and his kids love him," which characterizes the special relationship between the dedicated manager and over a half-century of Springers athletes; and

WHEREAS, today, continuing a tradition established under Coach Rinaldi, Stoney Jones is the senior member of a squad of graduates from the special education program that diligently works the Springer sidelines; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Robert Jones for his longtime service to Highland Springs High School; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert Jones as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation for his enthusiastic support of young people and his commitment to the community of Highland Springs.