07/15/2026
Col. Billy Jackson Cone, RET. U.S. Army
Col. Billy Jackson Cone, RET, US Army, 87, of Savannah Lakes Community, husband of Donna Beniger Cone, died Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Self Regional Healthcare. He was born in Provencal, LA to the late Charles Jackson and Lou Ellen Arnold Cone.
Billy, a member of the ROTC program and graduate of Northwestern State University earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts and his master's degree in Education Administration. He dedicated 22 years of distinguished service as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army rising to the rank of Colonel, His career was marked by integrity and skill. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Billy faced challenging times with courage and honor. His many awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm and Silver Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Legion of Merit Medal.
Following his military career, he joined the financial planning group USPA & IRA where he was recognized for his leadership and was promoted to District Agent. He received multiple awards for assisting fellow agents with their pursuits of success.
In addition to service to his country, he found joy and tranquility in pursuits that reflected his lifelong love of nature. Together with his family he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, gardening and creating beautiful walking sticks from wood found in our local forest; these activities brought him peace and fulfillment. Billy was a member of and worshiped at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Juanette Adger.
Billy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; two children, Clint Cone of Lexington, KY and Camille Ellington of Ocean Springs, MS; sister, Pennie Montgomery of Spring, TX; and five grandchildren, Caleb Potts, Kira Ellington, Clive Potts, Allison Cone and Hayden Cone.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1401 Greenwood Street, McCormick, SC 29835 with Rev. Father Jacob Joseph officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church Columbarium.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Billy, may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org/donatetoday.
Billy’s legacy as a dedicated officer, mentor, and friend stands as a testament to a life lived with honor and purpose.
A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Cone family.
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