Ernest Franklin Koone Hamilton, Georgia Obituary

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.
August 2, 1951 - January 6, 202208/02/195101/06/2022
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Ernest Franklin Koone
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1 tree planted in memory of Ernest Franklin Koone.
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Donna and Ed Tabaka
February 3, 2022
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Ernest Franklin Koone. Plant a tree

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Jane Perry McFadden
January 21, 2022
to Ernest's family: I am sorry to miss the service. Please contact me at your convenience as I would like to plant native azaleas and other natives in Memory of Ernest in Charleston, SC Jane Perry McFadden jpmcf@me.com
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Bella McMillan
January 20, 2022
We at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens will miss Ernest greatly. It was always a treat to see him with his truck overflowing with plants and his personality overflowing with enthusiasm. We will miss his knowledge his smiles, his wittiness and kindness.
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Jane Perry McFadden
January 20, 2022
I first met Ernest at a GCA event where he opened my eyes to the wonders of our native azaleas. He has made several trips for my garden club, presentations and delivery of native plants from his nursery. I was so honored when he named an azalea R. colemanii 'Jane Perr... Continue Reading
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Joyce McArthur
January 19, 2022
Ernest has been such a supporter of the Carroll County Master Gardeners, and a kind friend to all of us. I'm grateful to have had him in my gardening life the past 10 years. Rest well, my friend.
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Tom Johnson
January 17, 2022
Ernest was a true friend and Mentor. My life is diminished so much more than I can tell now that he is gone. He will be missed by so many.....Until we meet again in the fields of Heaven my friend!
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Dwight and Becky Langston
January 17, 2022
Dwight and I made friends with Earnest at Sunnyside. There, we got to know him and Earnest and we had great political conversations as well as his horticultural advice was shared on many occasions. We are saddened at his passing and will miss his friendship very much.
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Sharon Cowart
January 15, 2022
I am heart broken. Mr Koone was my mentor. He sold me native azaleas and other native and rare plants cheap so I could sell them from my small nursery business, but I’m most thankful for all he taught me over the years. He was my mentor. I will miss him. I know I’ll be t... Continue Reading
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