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COLUMBIA, S.C. - John Charles Cone, 71, passed away Aug. 4, 2012.
He was born June 6, 1941, in Geneva, Ill., son of the late Richard Ray and Jane Davis Cone.
John graduated from Frank L. Ashley High School in Gastonia, N.C. in 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clemson University with a double major in History and English. Following college, he was a Staff Writer for the Christian Science Monitor in Boston, Massachusetts.
John's professional career was in association administration. He was certified by the National School Public Relations Association and the Public Re-lations Society of America, as well as The American Society of Association Executives. John was a tireless advocate for the public schools and children of South Carolina, first working in public relations for the Charleston County School District and then as Executive Director of the South Carolina School Boards Association. As Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of S.C., John was recognized by the S.C. Legislature as being named the As-sociation Executive of the Year by the South Carolina Society of Association Executives.
John's retirement in 2007 allowed him to pursue his lifelong goal of helping others through a ministry of healing and service to his fellow man. John was an Eagle Scout and continued his community service through scouting and multiple philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He was an avid sailer, hiker, had a love for birds, music, and nature, and a passion for learning and teaching.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margaret Dickerson Cone; his daughter, Courtenay McNeill Cone of Mt. Pleasant; his son, Richard Weyman Cone; grandchildren, Patrick Weyman Cone and Susan McNeill Cone of Pawleys Island; and his sister, Barbara Cone McCloskey of Boone, N.C. In addi-tion to his parents, John was predeceased by a brother, David Robert Cone.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1114 Pickens Street. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of one's choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
Published in Gaston Gazette on August 7, 2012
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