Ernest Franklin Koone

Ernest Koone, III, age 70, of Pine Mountain, Georgia, died January 6 after a brief illness. Ernest was born in LaGrange, Georgia, and lived on the family farm outside of Pine Mountain. The family moved to Smyrna, Georgia, in 1957 where he completed his education. His summers and weekends were spent at the farm learning and developing a love for horticulture from his father. After serving in the U. S. Navy from 1972-1984, he returned to Pine Mountain and joined his father’s nursery business, the largest grower of native azaleas in the country. Ernest continued the business after his father’s death. He was a recognized authority on native azaleas and was interested in all native shrubs of the Southeast. He was active in several horticultural groups and was a Board Member of the Rosalyn Carter Butterfly Trail. In March 2019, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Azalea Society of America, their highest honor. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Koone, Jr., and Jeanne L. Koone. He is survived by a brother, Charles Koone (Sue) of Pine Mountain, sisters Edith Edmonds of Pine Mountain Valley, Barbara Cunningham (Charles) of Duluth, and Cordelia Alderman (Billy) of Manchester, close family friend Bob Patterson of Pine Mountain, and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the Hopewell Methodist Church, Hopewell Church Road, Pine Mountain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunnyside Historical Foundation, P. O. Box 51, Hamilton, GA 31811. Cox Funeral Home, 240 Walton Street, Hamilton is assisting the family with arrangements.