Ricky "Rick" Delano Cone

Ricky Delano Cone, 79, of Cumming, Georgia passed away on April 27, 2024. He was born on April 15, 1945, in Nash County to Worth and Helen Cone. Rick was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and faithful Christian man. Rick graduated from Spring Hope High School in 1963. He then went on to attend NC State University. During his time at NC State, Rick was President of the Blue Key Honor Society, a member of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, and the NC FFA State Vice President. After receiving his undergraduate from NC State he continued his education at Michigan State where he completed his Master’s degree in Food Sciences. Rick began his career as a physical science teacher at Southern Nash High School in 1970. After leaving the education field, Rick worked in the Trace Evidence section of the NC SBI Chemistry Laboratory during the 70s and early 80s. He was known nationally and internationally for the development of an atomic absorption method for identifying the trace elements found in gunshot residue. The development of the technique revolutionized a laboratory's capability to identify traces of barium, antimony, and lead from hand swabs. Rick left the SBI to work with Perkin Elmer which was a primary distributor of atomic absorption equipment. He continued his career with Perkin Elmer for 33 years where he established a family among colleagues until his retirement in 2015. Rick was an avid NC State fan and proud Wolfpack Alumni. He had a passion for sports and coached baseball, basketball, and flag football for Spring Hope Recreation and church leagues. Rick loved watching NC State football and basketball, the Atlanta Braves, and professional golf. He especially loved watching Southern Nash football every Friday night and never missed a game even watching from his home in Georgia. Rick also enjoyed woodworking, traveling with his wife Gail, and cherishing moments with his children and grandchildren. Rick is survived by his wife Gail Williams Cone, children Brent (Jennifer) Cone, Mark (Rebecca) Cone, Robyn (Ron) Reynolds, Allyson (Ryan) Wilson, grandchildren Ashley (Brady) Ballard, Natalie Cone, Andrew Cone, Sean Cone, Amanda Cone, Meagan Cone, Mason (Millie) Cone, Ryleigh Reynolds, Corbin Wilson, Annora Wilson, Sarah Calcaterra, 5 great-grandchildren, his nephew Joel (Teri) Cone, niece Stephanie Cone Laing, and many other family members, beloved friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his mother Helen Melvin Cone, father Worth Hobson Cone, son Christopher Brinson, and brother Fred Cone. Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home on Thursday, May 2 from 5 pm-7 pm. A service to celebrate Rick's life will be held at Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Zebulon, NC on Friday, May 3, at 2:00 pm, followed by burial at the Cone Family Cemetery, 547 Frazier Rd, Spring Hope. A memorial service will take place at a later date in Cumming, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, St. Jude's Hospital, or a favorite charity.

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Ricky "Rick" Delano Cone

April 15, 1945 - April 27, 2024