I open my mouth to the Lord, and I won’t turn back.
For those of us who had the privilege to know him, Ryan “Troop” Jones was nothing short of a phenomenon. You see, there was just something about him. He wasn’t your average person; he wasn’t your average guy. In fact, Ryan was much more than that. He was everything a mother would want in her son, everything a father would want in a future son-in-law, everything a teacher would want to become of his or her student, and everything a friend would want in another friend.
At the age of three, when other kiddos were busy collecting toy cars and trucks, Ryan was busy finding his love, his passion, and his excellence as a classical violinist. As a senior in high school, when other teens were too worried about the latest gossip, Ryan was playing alongside the revered Charlie Daniels at the Kirby Center. In his twenties, when others his age were consumed with partying and crazy lifestyles, Ryan took a chance, packed his bags, and headed to Nashville. Armed with a fiddle and some flair, Ryan found his calling, and he certainly wasn’t going to turn back.
I will go. I shall go.
In 2005, Ryan joined the country music band, LoCash Boys. He had made it. The young boy from Exeter who once performed on the stage at Wyoming Area was now a touring musician, making a living and a life for himself doing what he loved. His enthusiasm for life spilled over in his performances. Ryan was a true artist. He understood what it felt like to have the “need to create” and was able to share his creations with everyone he touched. Ryan was known throughout the music community as the musician who twirled his bow, tossed it in the air, and never failed to sing out loud to the song in his heart.
I’ll see what the end is going to be.
Ryan lived his life to the fullest every day. He was an unbelievable talent and a gentle soul. Everyone who knew him loved him. When you spoke to him, he actually listened. If you were down on your luck, he’d be right there to pick you back up. He was a true gentleman, a class act.
Ryan left us on October 19 to share his talent with a new audience in the heavens above.
To Ms. Marilyn Gubbiotti, Ryan’s beloved mother: I know that words cannot heal. All I will say is thank you; thank you for bringing Ryan into this world and for raising such a wonderful son. Know that he left a beautiful mark on every person he met. Know that he will never be forgotten. Know that Ryan’s “Army” is right here . . . right beside you . . . every step of the way.
I open my mouth to the Lord, and I won’t turn back.
I will go. I shall go.
I’ll see what the end is going to be.
