RONALD JACKSON JEFFORDS – Ron Jeffords, 78, was called by God to his heavenly home peacefully slipping away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Life Care Center. He was born March 22, 1944 in Ray City, Georgia, the son of Leon Ethridge and Ida Mae Jeffords (Cornelius).
Ron was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, class of 1962. Following graduation, he studied electronics at Massey College. He married the love of his life Elaine (Godding) on October 2, 1963. Ron settled here in the Jacksonville area working with Winn Dixie for 28 years, starting in produce as the Manager ending as a store auditor before retiring. He went on to work as a Food Broker for Acosta Sales before retiring again in 2011. Ron was an ordained Deacon at Eagles View Baptist Church and had a hand in starting Eagles View Academy. At the time of his death, he was a member at Hosanna Baptist Church.
Ron was one of the founding members of Normandy Athletic Association. He was a coach and a father figure to countless numbers of kids, never leaving a child unattended; if a child were hungry, they knew to find Coach Jeffords because he would buy them something to eat. It was routine for him to pick kids up and bring them to the park for practice or a game. Ron was also a huge part of the Greater Jacksonville Pop Warner Football League, where he served alongside his brother Ken for more than 25 years. He was involved with the Jacksonville Youth Council, a former Treasurer of the Ed White Booster Club and a part of the Jacksonville Children’s commission as well.
Ron lived an exemplary life and left a mark on everyone he came across. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. He was the kindest human being you ever met. His biggest joy though was his boys. He supported his sons in all their endeavors, he loved them unconditionally and asked nothing in return. He was a loving father and a huge sports fan first as a Georgia Bulldog, later in life an FSU Seminole and passed on his love for all sports to his boys.
He was preceded in death by his Father Leon Ethridge, Mother Ida Mae, sister Janice and his beloved wife of 48 years Elaine. He is survived by his two sons Todd (Belinda) and Cory (Sebrena), grandchildren Andrilynn, Tyler, Andrew and Maygen, brothers Ken & Curtis Jeffords, sister Nelda Blitch and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 with Brother Roy Vining officiating. Visitation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, service to follow immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the name of Ron Jeffords to either the Children’s Home Society www.chsfl.org or Communities in Schools of Jacksonville www.cisjax.org please note: Memory of Ron Jeffords for Frank H Peterson Academies.
Bobby Hutchinson
July 21, 2023, 10:06 am
Ron was a kind and gentle man.Heaven has gained another angel
Joyce Goding Steinmeyer
July 21, 2023, 10:06 am
Ronnie always thought of his family first. He loved my sister Elaine as a husband should love his wife. He took time for his boys and for other boys as they played ball. He was a caring coach.
He loved the Lord and it showed in his life. I’m proud to have known him.
Dolores
July 21, 2023, 10:06 am
Loved your mom and dad. Great Normandy friends. So sad to hear about Ron. Corey, sorry for your loss!
Todd and Belinda
July 21, 2023, 10:07 am
We love you so much Papa! Love Todd and Belinda
Tony McClellan
July 21, 2023, 10:07 am
Coach Jeffords I just recall the years that at Normandy I played for you when allot of somemy best fiends played with coach Mccredie and I think Coach Crawford, as I did and my dad had allot of respect and we know you wanted the best for me and many others. Wanna send condolences to you Todd and Cory you had an an awesome dad (same respect Todd you wanted just as your dad nothing but the best for you and dad’s player )