WALTERBORO: The Honorable William Harry Cone Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2015 after an extended illness. He was 81.

Mr. Cone was born September 16, 1933 in Augusta, GA, the son of the late William Harry Cone Sr. and Agnes Hill Cone. Following his father's example, he spent the better part of his adult life in public service. Mr. Cone was a graduate of Walterboro High School, and after attending the Citadel and the University of South Carolina, he married Dianne Daniels, and returned home to run the family business, Walterboro Drug Company. Mr. Cone served as Fire Chief of Walterboro for fifteen years, as a fireman for thirty-five years, on city council for two years, and as mayor for sixteen years. He also served as Chairman of the Walterboro Colleton County Airport Commission. He was past president of the Walterboro Civitan Club and held other offices such as serving as district Governor for one year, was an officer in the Walterboro Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, served as Director of the Walterboro Chamber of Commerce for a year, was a Mason, and served as a Boy Scout leader for four years. He left his lasting imprint on a city that he dearly loved and dedicated his life to serve the Walterboro community and its citizens. He was a fine example of an outstanding leader whose legacy will live on for generations to come.

Mr. Cone was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Dianne Daniels Cone and by a sister, Jean Carter Koontz Evans. He is survived by his son, William H. "Bill" Cone III, of Walterboro and his daughter Dana Cone Moorer and her husband Thomas C. Moorer Jr., of Mt. Pleasant. There are two siblings, George W. Cone of Walterboro and Dianne C. Ziegler of Fort Mill, as well as an extended family on both sides who adored him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 18 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro, with Reverend Ben Barnett officiating. Burial will follow in Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, August 17, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC 29488, or a charity close to one's own heart.