RALPH CONE, SR., age 73 of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2014, at his residence.
Born on August 18, 1941 in Lakeland, Florida, he was a son of the late Winfred Cone and Lillie Bell Walker Cone. Mr. Cone graduated from Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida and then attended Gordon Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia where he played football. He began working in the roofing business with his father at age 13 and carried on the family business in Florida for 35 years before moving to White County in 1994. His career in the roofing business spanned over 60 years. Mr. Cone loved his family and enjoyed being with people. He also loved to cook and was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cone was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Michele Beaty; brothers, Howard Cone, Sr. and Jim Cone.
Survivors include his wife, whom he married on July 2, 1988, Jean Fuhrman Cone of Cleveland; son, Ralph Cone, Jr. of Havana, Florida; daughter, Janell Penny of Orlando, Florida; step-son, Matt Geisler of Wildwood, Florida; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Camp Creek Baptist Church in Cornelia with Pastors David O’Steen, Bill Barrs and Isaac McDuffie officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 or to Camp Creek Baptist Church, 1761 Camp Creek Road, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
