Joseph Winton Cone

Joseph Winton Cone, age 89, passed away suddenly Wednesday, October 12, 2016. As the older of two boys, Joe was born November 20, 1926 to Winton and Ethel Cone in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The family lived there but a short time before moving to Bulloch County, Georgia where he attended local schools and eventually met the love of his life, Edna Lewis. The Greatest Generation lost another member. Joe joined the United States Navy and served in World War II. Three years after his honorable discharge, he and Edna married on February 13, 1949, and had two children. Joe began a career with Atlantic Coastline Railroad (now CSX) in Savannah, Georgia. The railroad transferred him to Wilmington, North Carolina for two years prior to transferring him to Jacksonville, Florida where he and Edna raised their children. He retired after 38 years of service in 1986, but retirement did not slow Joe down. He became a master gardener though he didn't bother with the certification. Having moved to St. Johns, Florida, Joe enjoyed flower, fruit, and vegetable gardening; sharing the fruit of his efforts with neighbors, family, and friends. A local Mandarin newspaper featured articles about Joe's flowers and vegetables. He and Edna were also active in the crafting community and were members of Sandy Crafters. Joe was a gentle, loving, and giving person. He was the consummate son to his parents, husband to his wife, father to his children, and friend to those who knew and loved him. He was a pillar of strength and charity during good times and hard.

Joe was predeceased by Edna and, as a result of a tragic automobile accident; by his son, Gregory; daughter-in-law, Maggie; and their two children, Jason and Aliya. He was also predeceased by his brother, Dub Cone. He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Christmann (Fred); sister-in-law, Essie Lewis; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 14, 2016, at 10:00am, followed by a celebration of Joe's life in the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel with interment to follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32216, jaxhumane.org.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904)737-7171 www.hardagegiddens oaklawnchapel.com