Leslie Gene Cone Sr., age 86, of Graceville, FL, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on September 10, 2015. At his passing, he was surrounded by his family at home. Our lives were blessed by his love for God, his love for God's Word, and his love for all people. Visitation will be 5-7PM September 12 at Brown Funeral Home in Chipley, FL. Funeral services will be at 2PM on Sunday September 13 at the First Baptist Church of Chipley, FL, with Brown Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow at the Bethel Baptist Church in Graceville, FL.
Gene Cone was born in 1928 in Lakeland, FL. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1947, where he played football, basketball, ran track, was president of the Honor Society, and the Letterman Club. Gene met his wife of 67 years, Edith Cone, in West Palm Beach, FL, in 1948 and they were married September 4, 1948. Gene was the manager of three McCroy's stores in Florida and Georgia for 10 years. He also worked in the insurance industry for 30 years. He was licensed to preach by Bird Road Baptist Church in 1974 and ordained at Gateway Baptist Church in 1977. Rev. Cone served as an ordained Southern Baptist pastor at Noma Baptist and Westville Baptist for 28 years. Rev. Cone is survived by his wife of 67 years, Edith Cone, his sone Gene Cone Jr., his son David Cone, and his daughter Sharon Cone. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and cherished friends.

Rev. Gene Cone was quoted, saying, "The greatest proof of God and the bible is man himself. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, God tells us that when man is saved, he becomes a different person."