Larry Rierson Jones

Larry Rierson Jones, 76, of Roanoke, passed away on January 16, 2022. Born in Roanoke, VA, on September 10, 1945, to the late Vester R. and Emily Rierson Jones, Larry is also preceded in death by his beloved aunt, Elenore Rierson Lever.

Larry was a 1963 graduate of Cave Spring High School and his love of horses and teaching others to ride gave him the desire to become an entrepreneur and owner of Velhalla Stables and equestrian center. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving four years and training MPs at Fort Hood. Following his service to his country, Larry obtained a professional pilot’s license as well as a real estate license, before being called into nursing. In 1980, he graduated from Virginia Western Community College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Larry touched many lives with care, love, and true devotion as an administrative psychiatric nurse for 15 years. In 1993, Larry was instrumental in the creation and operation on Joran’s Interiors until present day. The next 20 years of his career was dedicated to giving compassionate and sympathetic care during the end-of-life journey of his hospice patients. The culmination of his career came when he was named “Hospice Nurse of the Year” for the state of Virginia, at his retirement.

Larry was an inspiration to all who knew him and was known for the sunshine that he brought to everyone he met. He was loved deeply and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Those left to treasure his memory are his life partner and love of 32 years, Randall W. Neely, of Roanoke, VA; cousins, Kathy Jacobs; John and Jennifer Heenan and children, Jack and Katherine of Springfield, VA; Leigh Crighton and family, of NC; Tim and Connie Hash, of Roanoke, as well as many other loving first and second cousins.

Per Larry’s wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.